What You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather the following items:
- A bowl or container
- Olives
- Sea salt or kosher salt
- Water
Step 1: Selecting the Right Olives
Not all olives are suitable for the de-bittering process. Choose olives that are fully ripe and have a deep, even color. Green olives are typically more bitter than black olives, so keep that in mind. It’s best to use firm, fresh olives for this method.
Step 2: Prepping the Olives
Give the olives a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure a clean and fresh taste. After rinsing, use a sharp knife to make a small slit in each olive. This will allow the salt solution to penetrate the flesh and reduce the bitterness.
Step 3: Salting the Olives
Place the olives in a bowl or container. Add enough salt to cover the olives. For 1 pound of olives, use approximately 1/4 cup of sea salt or kosher salt. Gently toss the olives to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Soaking the Olives
Pour enough water into the bowl to fully submerge the olives. Stir the olives and salt together to dissolve the salt. Cover the bowl and let the olives soak in the salt solution for at least 5 days. This soaking process will draw out the bitterness from the olives.
Step 5: Taste Testing
After the recommended soaking period, remove an olive and taste it to determine if the bitterness has been adequately reduced. If the olives are still bitter, let them soak for another day or two and repeat the taste test. Keep doing this until the desired taste is achieved.
Step 6: Rinsing the Olives
Once the olives reach the desired flavor, drain the salt solution and rinse the olives thoroughly under cold water. This will remove any excess salt and give the olives a balanced flavor.
Step 7: Storing the Olives
Place the de-bittered olives in an airtight container. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent them from drying out. The olives can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several months.
And there you have it! Your very own de-bittered olives with a simple salt method. Enjoy these deliciously transformed olives in your favorite salads, Mediterranean dishes, or as a delectable snack.
Remember, with a little patience and the right technique, you can easily turn bitter olives into a delight for your taste buds. Give this method a try and savor the wonders of perfectly brined olives!