What You’ll Need
- Olives of your choice (green or black)
- Sea salt (preferably coarse)
- Airtight containers or jars
- Water
Step 1: Selecting the Olives
Start by choosing fresh, high-quality olives. Whether you prefer green or black olives is entirely up to your preferences. Opt for olives that are plump, firm, and free from any blemishes or signs of spoilage. This will ensure the best results.
Step 2: De-Bittering the Olives
Olives are naturally bitter due to their oleuropein content. To remove this bitterness, you’ll need to soak the olives in water for at least a week, changing the water daily. This process will leach out the bitter compounds, leaving you with mellow and enjoyable olives.
Step 3: Brining the Olives
After de-bittering, it’s time to brine the olives. Prepare a brine solution by dissolving coarse sea salt in water. You’ll need approximately 10% salt to water ratio. Submerge the olives in the brine, ensuring they are fully covered. Place a weight on top to keep them submerged. Leave them to brine for at least a month, or up to several months for a stronger flavor.
Step 4: Taste Testing
After the initial month of brining, taste test your olives. If they are to your liking, move on to the next step. If not, continue brining and tasting at regular intervals until you achieve the desired flavor. Remember, the longer you brine, the saltier the olives will become.
Step 5: Storing the Olives
Once your salted olives have reached the desired flavor, it’s time to store them properly. Drain off the brine and rinse the olives with water to remove excess salt. Ensure they are thoroughly dried and then transfer them into airtight containers or jars. Store the olives in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored salted olives can last up to a year or longer.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can master the art of preparing salted olives. It’s a rewarding process that allows you to savor olives in a whole new way. Experiment with different olive varieties and brining times to find the perfect balance of flavors that suit your taste. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade salted olives?