What are Picholine Olives?

When you see an appealing table set up with so many varieties of olives available, how do you choose the best one from them? Among these many tempting and fruity options, there's a particular green olive that genuinely stands out. This kind of olive is known as the Picholine olives. These unique olives are known for their distinct shape and vibrant flavour. If you have a discerning taste for fine foods, we are confident you will appreciate them.

If you're curious about different types of olives or simply looking to add new flavour to your cooking, knowing the significance of Picholine olives is a great place to start. These beautiful, bright green fruits are a real treasure from the olive world. They offer a particular flavour, taste, and texture that makes them different from others. So, let’s learn what makes these olives so special!

Where Do Picholine Olives Come From?

The Picholine olive has a rich background from the sunny areas of France. These olives are named after "A la picholine", which was developed by the Picholini brothers in the 18th century. Although France is their original land, Picholine olive trees have spread far and wide.

Now, you can find them growing in various places around the world where olives are produced. However, regardless of where they grow, their main features remain true to their French roots. This exceptional heritage is what gives them their unique qualities, which olive growers everywhere strive to maintain consistently.

What Do Picholine Olives Look Like?

When you first see a Picholine olive, you'll probably notice a few things right away. They are typically:

• Slender and Almond-Shaped: Unlike some olives that are plump and round, Picholine olives have an elegant, long shape, often described as resembling an almond.
• Bright Green Colour: They are typically picked when still young and firm, which gives them their classic vibrant green colour. This bright colour is a sign that they are fresh and full of flavour.
• Medium Size: They are neither tiny nor enormous. Their medium size makes them ideal for snacking, adding to dishes, or simply looking good on a serving plate.

The Unique Taste of Picholine Olives

This is where Picholine olives truly shine and make numerous fans all around the globe. Their taste is quite special and provides a wonderful experience for foodies.

You can expect a flavour that is:

• Buttery: Even though they are firm, Picholines have a wonderfully smooth, buttery feel that coats your mouth.
• Slightly Nutty: There's often a faint nutty taste, which is described as having a pistachio-like flavour that makes them enjoyable to eat.
• Mildly Fruity: Like many olives, they have a fruity note, but with Picholines, it's often delicate and fresh without being too strong.
• A Hint of Pepper or Anise: Some people notice a very light, peppery flavour or even a little hint of anise (a Mediterranean plant of the parsley family).
• Crisp Texture: When you bite into a Picholine, you'll feel a pleasing crispness. They are firm but not hard, giving them a satisfying texture.

How Are Picholine Olives Prepared?

Picholine olives are mainly a "table olive," which means they are mostly eaten whole. They are not typically pressed for olive oil, although they can produce excellent oil as well. To make them ready to eat, they go through a curing process.

The most common method of preparing Picholine olives is through a brine cure. This involves soaking the olives in salty water for an extended period. This process removes their natural bitterness and helps their flavour develop. Curing can take several weeks or even months. Sometimes, they are also "lactic fermented," which gives them a tangy taste.

After they are cured, they are usually packed in salty water or sometimes in olive oil. When you buy them, you will often find them whole, with their pits still inside. This is a good thing! Keeping the pit in helps the olive stay firm and protects its delicate flavour until you are ready to eat it.

Ways to Enjoy Picholine Olives

Picholine olives are very adaptable in the kitchen. Their balanced flavour and firm texture make them suitable for many different uses. Here are some popular ways you can enjoy them:

As a Snack

Eat them straight from the jar or off the olive bar. They are perfect on their own or as part of a selection of appetisers.

On an Appetiser Board

They fit perfectly on meat and cheese boards or with other small savoury dishes. Their bright green colour looks lovely. Try them with cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or a soft brie.

Add Them to Salads

Chop them up and add them to green salads, pasta salads, or even grain bowls. They add a burst of salty, fruity flavour and a pleasant bite.

With Fish and Chicken

Their mild, slightly peppery notes go very well with roasted chicken or baked fish. You can add them whole to a baking dish with lemon and herbs.

In Mediterranean Dishes

They go perfectly well into cooking inspired by the Mediterranean region. There are many dishes in which you can add these olives. You can think of stews or even a simple pasta dish with tomatoes and herbs.

Tapenade

While dark olives are often used, Picholines can make a wonderfully fresh and vibrant tapenade. Just remove the pits and blend them with capers, anchovies, garlic, and olive oil.

Cocktail Garnish

Their slender shape makes them an elegant addition to martinis or other savoury drinks.

You can often find Picholine olives at special food shops, larger grocery stores with olive sections, or online. When searching for high-quality ingredients, we offer an excellent selection, which may include unique herbs and spices such as Ajowan seeds, Allspice, Amchur powder, Anise seeds, various salt-free blends, and baking spices. We also offer the finest quality olives, including Picholine olives, Lucques Olives, Kalamata olives, and Stuffed green olives, among others.

Why Should I Choose Picholine Olives?

If you are searching for the best answer to why you should choose premium quality picholine olives from The Spice Trader, there are solid points that go in its favour:

Balanced Flavour: They are not as intensely salty as some olives from Greece, nor as strongly fruity as some Italian types. Their balanced taste makes them very easy to enjoy and use in many ways.

Appealing Texture: Their crisp, firm bite is a pleasure to eat, providing a satisfying contrast in dishes.

Elegant Appearance: Their vibrant green colour and slender shape make them look attractive and perfect for serving.

Versatility: They work well for both snacking raw and cooked in dishes, making them a favourite in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Picholine olives offer a delightful experience for your taste buds. Their special mix of soft and buttery texture, with nutty and fruity flavour and a crisp bite, makes them a wonderful addition to any meal or snack. Whether you already love olives or are just starting to figure out which one tastes the best for you, giving Picholines olives a try is highly recommended.

They bring a refined taste of the Mediterranean to your plate, adding elegance and flavour. So, next time you're at the store, keep an eye out for these slender, green, fruity gems, as your taste buds will surely be grateful!