Green Olives — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Green olives should be firm and plump, with a glossy exterior. They should be uniformly sized and marinated or brined as per their style. Taste a few to ensure they have a balanced briny and bitter flavor.

Pass over olives that are shriveled or have discolored patches. Quality green olives should enhance dishes and tapenades with their rich, savory profile.

Once opened, green olives need to be kept in the refrigerator. Maintaining them in their original brine is essential for preserving their texture and taste. When stored correctly, opened olives can remain fresh for up to 1-2 months.

If the jar is not sealed properly, the olives may lose their desirable crunch and flavor. Keeping the jar tightly closed is important to prevent them from drying out. Keeping the olives submerged in brine is key to retaining their unique flavor and texture, making them ideal for snacking or culinary uses.

Green olives can last for 1-2 years unopened when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and used within 1-2 months. Ensure they are kept in their brine for the best quality.

Leftover green olives can be used in a variety of savory dishes. Chop them and add to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a tangy, briny flavor, or mix them into a pasta dish with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Green olives are also great when added to tapas or antipasto platters with meats, cheeses, and bread.

Use green olives in a tapenade by blending them with capers, garlic, and olive oil, perfect for spreading on bread or crackers. If you have a lot of green olives, consider making a batch of stuffed olives with cheese, nuts, or anchovies, then serving them as an appetizer. Green olives can also be sliced and added to pizzas or flatbreads, or mixed into a grain salad with couscous or quinoa for added flavor. For a quick snack, enjoy green olives on their own, paired with cheese and crackers.

Green olives are a source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels. They also contain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, promoting skin health by protecting against oxidative stress. Green olives’ anti-inflammatory properties may reduce symptoms of joint pain and arthritis. Additionally, their fiber content supports digestive health, and their low-calorie content makes them a healthy snack for weight management.