25 Jun How to Marinate Your Olives at Home: Olmeda Orígenes Expert Guide
Olives are a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Spain, where varieties such as Manzanilla and Gordal have won over palates worldwide. Marinating them at home not only enhances their flavor but also allows you to personalize them according to your preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the origin of these two delicious varieties and provide two simple yet exquisite recipes to marinate your own Manzanilla and Gordal olives.
Origin and Characteristics of Manzanilla and Gordal Olives
-Aceituna Manzanilla: La Reina de las Aceitunas Verdes Españolas
Manzanilla Olive: The Queen of Spanish Green Olives
The Manzanilla olive is known as the “queen” of Spanish green olives. Its popularity is undeniable, as it is an essential part of many traditional Spanish meals, whether in fresh salads or as the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine. These olives are produced in the warm olive groves of Córdoba, a region with a strong tradition in producing traditional products.
Manzanilla olives are fleshy and medium-sized, available with or without pits. In addition to their delicious taste, these olives offer numerous health benefits: they are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamin E, and oleic acid, all of which help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity, and improve overall health.
Gordal Olive: The Flavor of Typical Andalusian Cuisine
The Gordal Olive from Olmeda Orígenes is another standout product from the Andalusian lands of Córdoba. This variety is characterized by its large size, white specks, and oval shape, containing the authentic flavor of the region’s typical cuisine. Gordal olives are ideal for stuffing with almonds or garlic due to their firm texture and ability to absorb flavors.
Recipes for Marinating Manzanilla and Gordal Olives
How to Marinate Olives at Home: Expert Guide with Two Delicious Recipes
Recipe 1: Marinate with Gordal and Citrus
Ingredients:
- Gordal Olmeda Orígenes olives
- Black peppercorns
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, sliced)
- Rosemary
- Oregano (1 tablespoon)
- Lemon (slices)
- Lemon peel
- Orange peel (thin strips)
- Extra virgin olive oil
Preparation:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- Mix the bay leaves, black pepper, crushed garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon slices, and orange peel strips in a large bowl.
- Add enough extra virgin olive oil to cover the olives.
- Marinate the Olives:
- Place the olives in a jar or airtight container.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the olives, ensuring they are well covered.
- Close the jar and shake gently to mix the ingredients.
- Rest:
- Let the olives rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to absorb the flavors. For a more intense flavor, let them rest for up to a week.
Recipe 2: Spicy and Aromatic Marinade
Ingredients:
- Manzanilla Olmeda Orígenes olives
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, crushed)
- Sweet paprika (1 tablespoon)
- Bay leaves
- Rosemary
- Oregano (to taste)
- Olive brine
- Extra virgin olive oil
Preparation:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- Mix the crushed garlic, sweet paprika, spicy paprika, rosemary, thyme, and oregano in a large bowl.
- Add enough extra virgin olive oil to cover the olives.
- Marinate the Olives:
- Place the olives in a jar or airtight container.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the olives, ensuring they are well covered.
- Close the jar and shake gently to mix the ingredients.
- Rest:
- Let the olives rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to absorb the flavors. For a more intense flavor, let them rest for up to a week.
Benefits of Including Olives in Your Diet
Olives are not only delicious but also extremely beneficial for your health. Including varieties such as Manzanilla and Gordal in your daily diet can offer numerous benefits, such as antioxidants that fight free radicals, anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce inflammation, and vitamin E that is essential for skin health and the immune system. Additionally, the oleic acid present in olives helps maintain a healthy heart and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Enjoying your own marinated olives at home is a wonderful way to experience the rich Andalusian culinary tradition and take advantage of all the benefits these wonderful fruits have to offer. Bon appétit!
