What You’ll Need
- Fresh black olives
- Water
- Salt
- Sugar
- Herbs and spices (optional)
- Airtight container
Step 1: Harvest or Purchase Fresh Black Olives
The first step is to obtain fresh black olives. You can either harvest them yourself if you have an olive tree or purchase them from a local farmer’s market or grocery store. Look for olives that are firm and have a deep purple-black color.
Step 2: Extract Any Bitterness
Before sweetening the olives, you need to extract their bitterness. This can be done through a process known as brine-curing. Begin by making a brine solution using 1 part salt and 10 parts water. Place the olives in the brine and let them soak for around a month, changing the brine every week. This will remove the natural bitter compounds from the olives.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweetening Solution
Once the bitterness has been extracted from the olives, it’s time to prepare the sweetening solution. In a separate container, dissolve 1 part sugar in 2 parts water. You can also add herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or garlic for an extra flavor kick.
Step 4: Sweeten the Olives
Transfer the cured olives to an airtight container and pour the sweetening solution over them. Ensure that the olives are completely submerged in the solution. Close the container tightly to prevent air from entering.
Step 5: Allow the Olives to Sweeten
Place the airtight container in a cool and dark location, like a pantry or cellar. Let the olives sweeten for at least 4 weeks, although longer durations will intensify the flavor. Shake the container gently every few days to distribute the sweetness evenly.
Step 6: Taste and Enjoy
After the sweetening period, it’s time to taste your homemade sweetened black olives. Drain the olives from the sweetening solution and give them a try. If they have reached the desired sweetness, you can transfer them to a new container for storage.
Now that you know how to sweeten fresh black olives, you can enjoy this delicious treat as a snack, salad topping, or a part of your favorite Mediterranean dishes. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor combinations. Happy sweetening!