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Olives: Tastes & Pairing

Olives have been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine for thousands of years, prized for their rich flavor, versatility and nutritional benefits. As the fruit of the olive tree, olives are enjoyed around the world in countless varieties, each offering its own unique taste, texture and culinary use. From mild and buttery to bold and briny, olives can enhance everything from antipasto platters and salads to pizzas, sandwiches and pasta dishes.

Beyond their distinctive flavor, olives are a natural source of heart healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making them an important part of the Mediterranean diet. Whether enjoyed on their own as a snack or incorporated into recipes, olives bring depth, character and authentic Mediterranean flavor to every meal.

Understanding the differences between olive varieties can help you select the perfect olive for any occasion. From large, meaty black olives to bright, savory green olives, each variety offers a unique flavor profile and pairs best with different ingredients, cheeses, meats and wines. Explore some of the most popular olive varieties and discover how to incorporate them into your favorite dishes.

Extra Large Pitted Black Olives

Cento Extra Large Pitted Black Olives have a bold, black color and a mild, nut-like flavor.

Perfect For:

  • Pasta Dishes
  • Pizza
  • Salads
Cento Jumbo Whole Black Olives

Extra Large Whole Black Olives

Cento Extra Large Whole Black Olives are bold and black in color and have a mild, nut-like flavor.

Perfect For:

  • Pasta Dishes
  • Pizza
  • Salads
Cento Jumbo Pitted Black Olives

Gaeta Olives

Cento Imported Gaeta Olives, called the “Queen of Olives”, are harvested in the Roman countryside in the beginning of spring. These small, dark pink, oval olives are meaty in texture and prepared in brine for a slightly tart and salty flavor.

Perfect For:

  • Appetizers
  • Fish Topping
  • Pasta Dishes
  • Salads
Cento Gaeta Olives

Chefs Select Pitted Olives

A mix of green Castelvetrano, green Nocellara Etnea, black Castelvetrano and black Leccino olives, Cento Imported Chef’s Select Pitted Olives bring a mix of the Mediterranean’s finest olives to your home. Pitted and prepared in brine with capers, red and yellow bell peppers, oil and spices.

Perfect For:

  • Appetizers
  • Focaccia Topping
  • Pizza
  • Side for Roasted Meals
Cento Imported Chefs Select Pitted Olives

Greek Seasoned Pitted Olives

A mix of imported green Halkidiki olives, green and black Conservolea olives and black Kalamata olives from Greece, Cento Imported Greek Seasoned Pitted Olives are packed in a mixture of oil, salt and spices for delicious flavor. Chop them to make an excellent panini spread, use as a pizza topping, or serve with antipasto.

Perfect For:

  • Appetizers
  • Panini Spread
  • Pizza
Cento Imported Greek Mixed Seasoned Pitted Olives

Green Cerignola Olives

Cento Imported Green Cerignola Olives are harvested from September-October in Puglia, Italy. A product of Italy, Cento Imported Green Cerignola Olives are picked at an early stage before they are fully ripened, giving them a mild, buttery flavor and crisp bite.

Perfect For:

  • Anchovies
  • Antipasto
  • Capers
  • Garlic
  • Sharp Cheeses
Cento Imported Green Cerignola Olives

North South Pitted Olives

Cento Imported North & South Pitted Olives include tart Leccino olives from Tuscany and Bitetto & Dolce Verde varieties from Puglia. These imported Italian olives are mild in flavor and pair well with wine and cheese.

Perfect For:

  • Appetizers
  • Pizza
  • Salads
Cento Imported North South Pitted Olives

Pitted Castelvetrano Olives

Cento Imported Pitted Castelvetrano Olives are a bright green olive named for the area of Sicily where they are grown. Meaty with a firm bite, buttery flesh, mild flavor and crunchy pulp, these olives are ideal as a snack, salad garnish, or in antipasto.

Perfect For:

  • Antipasto
  • Hard Italian Cheeses
  • Salads
  • Salami
  • White Wine
Cento Imported Pitted Castelvetrano Olives

Oil Cured Olives

Cento Oil Cured Olives are Moroccan olives cured in oil with salt to produce wrinkly-textured olives with a slightly bitter flavor.

Perfect For:

  • Antipasto
Cento Oil Cured Olives

Pitted Green Olives

Medium-sized pitted ripe green olives with natural blemishes, Cento Pitted Green Olives are grown and packed in California. Immediately packed in brine to preserve color and smooth buttery flavor.

Perfect For:

  • Pizza
  • Salads
Cento Pitted Green Olives

Spanish Queen Olives

Cento Spanish Queen Olives are large whole green olives with a semi-firm meaty texture and mild tart flavor. Best served cold.

Perfect For:

  • Grilled Meats
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Martinis
Cento Spanish Queen Olives

Spanish Salad Olives

Cento Spanish Salad Olives are large, pitted whole green olives stuffed with a flavorful minced pimiento and roughly chopped to the perfect size.

Perfect For:

  • Salads
Cento Spanish Salad Olives

Spanish Stuffed Manzanilla Olives

Manzanilla olives from Spain have a crisp texture and neutral taste that makes them perfect for stuffing. Cento Spanish Stuffed Manzanilla Olives are filled with minced pimientos and packed in brine. They are best enjoyed as a garnish, salad olive or with antipasto.

Perfect For:

  • Cheeses
  • Wine
Cento Spanish Stuffed Manzanilla Olives

Spanish Stuffed Queen Olives

Cento Spanish Stuffed Queen Olives are large, meaty Spanish green olives that have a tart, briny flavor and are stuffed with flavorful minced pimiento peppers.

Perfect For:

  • Appetizers
  • Martinis
Cento Spanish Stuffed Queen Olives

Nutrition Facts

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INGREDIENTS:

Packaging, nutrition facts and ingredient statements are
subject to change. For the most up to date information
regarding a product, please refer to the product’s packaging.