How Are Green Olives Cured?
Green olives are typically cured using one of three methods: lye-curing, salt-curing, or water-curing. Lye-curing involves soaking the olives in a solution of sodium hydroxide, which chemically alters the fruit and makes it more tender. Salt-curing involves packing the olives in salt, which draws out their bitterness and dehydrates them. Water-curing involves soaking the olives in water, changing the water every day, until the bitterness is reduced. After the curing process, the olives are often flavored with herbs, spices, or oil to enhance their taste.