This article provides an overview of olives, what it tastes like, their availability, their alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make olives substitutes.
What are Olives?
Olives are a species of fruit made from the olive tree, a small tree shrub. They are cultivated in all countries of the Mediterranean, as well as the Americas, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Olives are a major source of olive oil, one of the core ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine, where around 90% are harvested into the oil.
What do Olives taste like?
Olives have a smooth, soft texture and a slightly salty and sweet flavor. They are known for their rather bitter taste and are therefore the desired taste. The flavor of an olive depends greatly on how ripe or unripe it was when harvested!
Are Olives readily available in Supermarkets?
Olives should be readily available in supermarkets, often sold in jars in the condiment aisle. They are usually next to other preserved foods, such as pickles, capers, and artichoke hearts.
What are some alternative names for Olives?
The botanical name for olives is Olea europaea, which means ‘European olive’ in the Latin language.
What is a good substitute for Olives in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for olives. These include:
- The best substitute for olives in a recipe would be other preserved foods, such as
- Capers
- Artichoke Hearts
- Pickled Onions
- Pickled Peppers
- You can also try mushrooms or anchovies