Canned black olives (pitted)
Description
Canned black olives without pits have a soft, slightly meaty texture and a mild, salty-sour taste with a hint of slight bitterness. Their dark, shiny skin and uniform shape make them a convenient and attractive addition to dishes. They are a source of monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, iron, fiber, and polyphenols with antioxidant properties, which support heart health and combat inflammation, although it is worth noting their sodium content from the brine. In the kitchen, they work well in salads, pizzas, pasta, tapenades, Mediterranean dishes, and as part of appetizers, adding depth of flavor and aroma. Not too labor-intensive due to the lack of pits, they can also be marinated or used as decoration. They should be stored in a cool, dry place before opening; after opening, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator in their original brine or oil, tightly sealed, and use within 2–3 weeks. Rinsing before serving will reduce the salt content.