Buying Olives

• There is an endless array of varieties, shapes, sizes and styles of olives available. Marinated, stuffed, in brine, vinegar or oil.
  
• Taste and select olives that appeal to your taste buds in terms of saltiness, fruitiness, sourness or bitterness.
  
• Olives should be free of bruises, plump with smooth, shiny skin and the flesh should be al dente (slightly resistant when bitten).

Cooking Tips

• Always taste the olives before you add them to a dish.
  
• If they are very salty, soak in cold water for a few hours first otherwise your finished dish may be too salty.
  
• Recipes often do not specify the type of olives to use, so choose a favourite variety that you think will blend with the other flavours.