Party Starters
Discover the flavors of seaweeds and olives for your parties and your special moments. The perfect food to share with friends together with a cheese platter or a charcuterie board.
15% Off Caviar Selection | Use CAVIAR15 at Checkout | Only until Dec 13th
The perfect food to start the party with
Are you looking for the perfect snack to serve with your aperitivo? Look no further than olives! Olives are a classic and delicious option for any pre-dinner drink, and they come in a variety of flavors and styles. In this article, we'll explore the world of olives and how to incorporate them into your aperitivo routine.
Olives are a small fruit that grow on trees in the Mediterranean region. They are typically eaten as a snack or used in cooking. Olives come in a variety of colors, including green, black, and brown, and their flavor can range from bitter to salty to sweet.
Types of Olives
There are many types of olives available, each with its unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular types of olives you can use for your aperitivo:
- Taggiasca Olives: Taggiasca olives are a type of small, black olive that is native to the Liguria region of Italy. These olives are prized for their delicate, sweet flavor and are commonly used in cooking and as a garnish for dishes. Taggiasca olives are also used to produce high-quality olive oil, which has a fruity and slightly spicy taste. These olives are a perfect addition to any aperitivo spread and pair well with a variety of wines. Whether you're serving them as a snack or using them in a recipe, Taggiasca olives are sure to impress your guests with their unique and delicious flavor.
- Kalamata Olives: These are a popular Greek olive that has a salty and slightly bitter taste. They are perfect for adding to salads or serving as a snack.
- Cerignola Olives: These are large and plump Italian olives that have a mild and buttery taste. They are excellent for snacking or adding to cheese plates.
- Castelvetrano Olives: These bright green Sicilian olives have a buttery and slightly sweet flavor. They are perfect for adding to salads or eating as a snack.
- Nicoise Olives: These small French olives have a mild and nutty taste. They are excellent for adding to salads or serving as a snack.
Pairing Olives with Wine
If you're serving an aperitivo, wine is the perfect drink to pair with olives. When selecting a wine to pair with olives, it's important to consider the flavor and style of the olives you're serving.
If you're serving black olives, a full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot is an excellent pairing. The tannins in the wine complement the salty flavor of the olives and enhance their taste.
If you're serving green olives, a crisp and acidic white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is the perfect pairing. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the olives and balances out their flavor.
Recipes for Olives
Looking for some creative ways to incorporate olives into your aperitivo routine? Here are some recipes to try:
Olive tapenade is a classic French spread that is perfect for serving with crackers or bread. To make olive tapenade, combine chopped olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor and pulse until it forms a smooth paste.
To make marinated olives, combine olives with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and your choice of herbs, such as thyme or rosemary. Let the olives marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Stuffed olives are a fun and creative way to serve olives as a snack. Fill pitted olives with cream cheese, goat cheese, or any other type of soft cheese for a tasty and easy appetizer.