First attempt 2017

Three batches of varying 'ripeness' and size opened on October 2nd

Batch from 11 June were quite small and all green. These were slit on one side prior to brining and had 114 days in brine

Batch from 17 July were a almost 50% bigger and a mix of purple / brown / black / green. Pickled for 78 days

 2 pictures - click to enlarge

Mediterranean style preserved olives

Mediterranean style preserved olives

Date   July 03, 2017
Edible  
Link To   http://talesofakitchen.com/raw/easy-hom...
Details   While looking for the simplest recipe for processing small scale harvest of home grown olives I came across the following process:

Step 1: PREPARING OLIVES
Make a simple, straight cut into each one or poke each with a fork. This will allow them to release some of the bitterness and soak flavour faster. Place all olives in a big pot, cover them with water and place a big, heavy plate in the pot to keep the olives at the bottom, fully submerged. Leave olives in water for 2 weeks, changing the water every day.

Step 2: ADDING OLIVES TO BRINE
Sterilize your glass jars and lids first by washing them with warm soapy water and then popping them in the oven at low temp (120C) until completely dry. Allow to cool before handling. If lids are plastic, do not put them in the oven but pour boiling water over them. Add olives to jars, making sure they are packed as tight as possible. Stuff as many as you can. To make brine, for every 500ml water, add about 100ml vinegar and 2 TBSP coarse salt. Pour brine in the jars filled with olives, to the top of the rim, until it begins to overflow – it is key that no air remains in the jar. Screw the lids on the jars, label them and leave them in a dark cupboard for about 2 months

Step 3: MARINATING THE OLIVES – make enough for 1-2 weeks at a time
Now your olives are ready to take on the flavours of the marinade. Put the olives into a saleable container and add the following:
  • Chilli powder or flakes
  • Lime juice + zest
  • Finely chopped garlic
  • A nice coating of olive oil
Marinade oil leftover after eating will make a wonderful addition to salad dressings! Place olives in the fridge for 1-2 days. Flavours develop as they sit. Keeps well for few weeks in the fridge.
Event type   Preserve