Think you don’t like olives? Try Castelvetrano Olives, a unique variety that will make an olive lover out of anyone. For years, I was olive wary: they were too pungent, briny, and salty for me. But Castelvetranos: they’re in a category all of their own. This is the type of olive to marinade as an appetizer or add to a fresh hummus bowl. Here’s the skinny on this brilliant green orb and why it’s ideal for snacking and cheese boards.
What are Castelvetrano olives?
Castelvetrano olives are a green olive variety grown in Sicily with a signature rich, buttery flavor and crisp texture. They have a mild and fruity flavor, making them suitable for people who shy away from very strong and briny varieties. Castelvetranos are grown in the Belice Valley in Sicily, so another name for the variety is Nocellara del Belice. They are harvested young and unlike other olives, they’re not cured: they’re simply washed in lye and water for a few weeks until the bitter flavor is removed.
Why everyone loves them
There’s something about the buttery, mild flavor of Castelvetranos that’s unlike any other type, like the ultra salty Kalamata or the briny pimento stuffed variety. We’ve served these to people who claim not to like olives, only to have them park themselves in front of the bowl. It’s a great mild olive to snack on, or especially to add a pop of flair to a salad. They’re just that good!
Ways to use Castelvetrano olives
The flavor of Castelvetrano olives is so rich and buttery, they’re perfect for snacking! Add them to a cheese plate or charcuterie board, or simply nibble them out of a bowl. They’re great in salads, bowl meals, on pizza, or in pasta. Make a bowl of marinated olives for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Try marinated Castelvetrano olives with garlic and lemon (see below) Stir them into olive salad, a tasty sandwich spread and dip Make a charcuterie board with cheeses, cured meats, almonds and fig jam Add them to an Italian chopped salad Use them in a Mediterranean hummus bowl Make Castelvetrano olive spread for crostini or sandwiches Throw them onto pizza diavola Substitute them for Kalamatas in pasta puttanesca
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