Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Recommend me olives for a beginner...

51 replies

BigBoysDontCry · 13/04/2023 20:00

Just that really. I'm on a keto diet at the moment and running out of ideas. Olives seem to be the thing but I've only ever tried them once on holiday in Greece about 30 years ago and they weren't for me.

However, I reckon maybe my tastes have changed enough to have another go but don't want to put myself off by trying the wrong thing or buying too much and throwing away.

I eat most things (but not tea or coffee or kidneys or celery or coriander or strong flavoured fish).

OP posts:
HermioneKipper · 13/04/2023 20:04

Nocellara olives are divine!

Theyre green ones that are mild and buttery and delicious!

LemonSwan · 13/04/2023 20:05

I don’t like them with the rubbish in the middle.

Just go to a deli and ask for a little mix. My favourites are the giant black or red ones. Partial to a green too. Names I have no idea because I quite like them all 😂

dinmin · 13/04/2023 20:06

Yes or just cheap black pitted ones in a jar or can. Definitely not normal green or kalamata - too bitter

dinmin · 13/04/2023 20:06

dinmin · 13/04/2023 20:06

Yes or just cheap black pitted ones in a jar or can. Definitely not normal green or kalamata - too bitter

The yes was to nocellara!

MurderAtTheBeautyPageant · 13/04/2023 20:11

My faves are kalamata with the stone in. Pitted olives are like Samson after the haircut. Lost all their power.

tobee · 13/04/2023 20:11

Some olives are definitely better than others. You might have to try a few different ones to see which you like. Noceralla olives are nice; they're large and green.

But I'd recommend trying them with other things you like. They can come stuffed with garlic, pepper, almonds and more. You can have them with pesto or different cheeses, herbs or spices like cumin. I'm currently having some in oil with feta. There are dark brown and green ones.

Some are riper than others, and tarter than others and different textures. Some are dried and pitted, some have a stone. Some are preserved in vinegar, some in olive oil.

Maybe try on a pizza, in a salad. I think they go beautifully with other things. I'm also having a glass of cold white wine.

The main thing to remember is if you try one and do like it. Try again, another type. Helps if they are not fridge cold. 🫒

Florissante · 13/04/2023 20:17

Green olives stuffed with almonds are a delight.

Original poster
BigBoysDontCry · 13/04/2023 20:17

Thanks all, I'm liking the sound of mild and buttery as a place to start. We don't really have a deli type place locally but I can access most supermarkets including a Waitrose so should be able to find a choice. It's not something I've ever looked at/for before.

Some great tips too! Can't do the pizza and wine unfortunately. No alcohol, no bread, no pasta, no rice, no potatoes etc etc. I can do oil, cheese, nuts and garlic etc though.

OP posts:
Florissante · 13/04/2023 20:17

MurderAtTheBeautyPageant · 13/04/2023 20:11

My faves are kalamata with the stone in. Pitted olives are like Samson after the haircut. Lost all their power.

I love this post for its humour and creativity.

Jacopo · 13/04/2023 20:21

Perello Gordal Piccante olives come in a tin. They are the best olives ever!

MrsHsGirl · 13/04/2023 20:23

I really like the haldiki ones, sounds a bit odd but they are quite firm and never seem to be sort of 'mushy' which puts me off some others

Mercedesbenz2022 · 13/04/2023 20:26

Perello Gordal Piccante olives come in a tin. They are the best olives ever!

this !

CalistoNoSolo · 13/04/2023 20:28

Spanish green olives in olive oil without any fripperies like chillies or garlic, but with a glass of amontillado sherry (to be sipped whilst munching on said olives on a sunny evening...).

Original poster
BigBoysDontCry · 13/04/2023 20:28

Thanks again everyone :) I've taken notes and will maybe pick up a couple of different ones at the weekend to try - I was unfortunately thinking this was Friday and now sadly disappointed that I'll be expected to work tomorrow. I'll report back!

OP posts:
Funkyslippers · 13/04/2023 20:31

I hated olives until a few years ago, mixing them with mayo & feta in a salad. I started with black and now love green as well, though I'm far from a connoisseur

QueSyrahSyrah · 13/04/2023 20:32

Jacopo · 13/04/2023 20:21

Perello Gordal Piccante olives come in a tin. They are the best olives ever!

This this this!! They are divine.

JamMakingWannaBe · 13/04/2023 20:38

This is probably blasphemy to the purists on here but get yourself down to the deli section of Lidl or Aldi and choose a couple of tubs for £1.50 each. If you get the ones with feta etc at least you can eat that if you find you don't like the olives.
The Lidl triple tub with chilli is my favourite.

Neverknowinglysensible · 13/04/2023 20:40

CalistoNoSolo · 13/04/2023 20:28

Spanish green olives in olive oil without any fripperies like chillies or garlic, but with a glass of amontillado sherry (to be sipped whilst munching on said olives on a sunny evening...).

Totally agree!
Also OP, try nocerella (Aldi do some nice ones). Yes they have a stone but, in getting used to olives, small nibbles are the way forward. Fresh Nocerella olives stuffed with almonds are also very nice
Personally, I keep away from tinned or black olives. I find the taste too strong. And do not, under any circumstances, try tinned olives stuffed with anchovies (although they are beloved by my Dad who tries to force them on everyone) as they are the food of the devil!

Kfjsjdbd · 13/04/2023 20:42

My gateway to olives was tapenade on a bit of nice bread (obvs no bread for you if you’re keto)

StaceySolomonSwash · 13/04/2023 20:46

I love green olives. First had them in Spain and indulge myself every so often. DH prefers black olives which are agreeable but Green Nocarella olives are to die for. Make a platter with feta, stuffed vine leaves, sun dried tomatoes, peppers stuffed with cream cheese and its bliss!

For those not on keto based diets a crisp dry wine and crusty bread is a great addition!

Greenfree · 13/04/2023 20:49

Chimichuri olives from Aldi are my faves

Sixtonskip · 13/04/2023 20:51

Another vote for Nocellara, they’re mild and delicious. I’d stick to ones from the refrigerated section, the ones in brine in cans and jars are grim. I love big green olives stuffed with a garlic clove - delightful!

RideACockHorseToSunburyCross · 13/04/2023 20:52

Lidl is your friend here

tanqueray10 · 13/04/2023 20:54

Perello really are the ultimate olives!

Original poster
BigBoysDontCry · 13/04/2023 20:56

Thanks for the further tips all. I have an Aldi though it's pretty small but hopefully they have some of the recommended ones. I'm also now thinking that waitrose might still have a little deli bit - they still have a fish counter anyway.

I might supermarket hop on Saturday. Just dying for an easy little snack I can have - didn't realise how easy I had it when i could rattle up lunch in 30 seconds by chucking meat and cheese between 2 slices of bread!

OP posts: