What You’ll Need
To start the preparation process, make sure you have the following items:
- Green olives
- Water
- Salt
- Glass jars
- Knife
- Cutting board
Step 1: Harvest or Purchase Green Olives
The first step is to either harvest fresh green olives from your garden or purchase them from a local market. Make sure the olives are green and firm without any signs of spoilage or discoloration.
Step 2: Sort and Rinse the Olives
Before proceeding, sort through the olives and discard any damaged or bruised ones. Once sorted, rinse the olives thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 3: Prepare a Brine Solution
A brine solution is needed to remove the bitter taste from the olives and preserve them. To prepare the brine, dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups of water. Stir until the salt completely dissolves.
Step 4: Make Incisions on the Olives
Using a sharp knife, make small incisions on each olive. This will allow the brine solution to penetrate the olives and remove their bitter taste more effectively.
Step 5: Soak the Olives in Brine
Submerge the olives in the brine solution you prepared earlier. Ensure that all the olives are fully covered. You can place a small plate or lid on top of the olives to keep them submerged if necessary. Let the olives soak in the brine for at least 10 days.
Step 6: Drain and Rinse the Olives
After 10 days, drain the brine from the olives and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This will remove any excess salt and help to further reduce the bitterness.
Step 7: Store the Olives
Finally, transfer the olives to clean and sterilized glass jars. Fill the jars with a brine solution made by dissolving 2 tablespoons of salt in 4 cups of water. Use a knife or a spatula to remove any air bubbles and ensure the olives are completely submerged in the brine. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool and dark place for at least a month before consuming.
Preparing green olives at home is a rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the full flavor of these delicious fruits. With this step-by-step guide, you can confidently embark on the journey of homemade olive preparation. So, roll up your sleeves, stock up on green olives, and get ready to savor the wonderful taste of your own prepared olives!