What are Nocellara del Belice olives?
Nocellara del Belice is a well-known olive variety from Sicily. The olives are large, firm, and meaty, with a fresh olive flavor and a slight natural bitterness. They are widely used as table olives.
Are these Castelvetrano olives?
Yes. Castelvetrano olives are typically Nocellara del Belice olives from Sicily. We prefer to use the more precise name Nocellara del Belice, as it refers to the olive variety and its region of origin. Castelvetrano is the more common commercial name.
Are these olives pitted?
Yes. These Nocellara del Belice olives are pitted, making them easy to serve with drinks and practical to use in salads, pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean dishes.
How do these Nocellara olives taste?
They are relatively large, fleshy, and juicy, with a fresh, clean olive flavor and a slight natural bitterness. Because they are preserved in brine, they also have a distinct salty note. If you find them too salty, rinse them briefly or soak them in clean water for a while. This will soften the flavor without losing the olive's character.
Are these green olives artificially colored?
No. These olives are natural in color and are not naturally or artificially colored. The green color is characteristic of the olive and its traditional processing.
What are Nocellara del Belice olives used for?
For appetizers, snacks, antipasti, bread with extra virgin olive oil, cheese, salads, tomatoes, grilled vegetables, fish, pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean dishes. Since they are pitted, they can also be easily incorporated into warm dishes.
Are these olives mild?
They are accessible but not bland. Nocellara del Belice olives have a fresh olive flavor, a firm bite, and a slight natural bitterness. This is precisely what makes them more interesting than many standard green olives.
How do you store these olives?
Store the jar in a cool, dark place. After opening, refrigerate and consume within the period indicated on the label. Always use a clean spoon and ensure the olives remain well covered in brine.
What is the difference between net weight and drained weight?
Net weight is the total weight of the jar including olives and liquid. Drained weight is the weight of the olives themselves after the liquid has been removed. If the drained weight is indicated on the label, it is the best weight to compare portions and price per kilo of olives.
