Olive Fruit

PUBLICATION 8267
Olives: Safe Methods for

Home Pickling
Revised by SYLVIA YADA, Scientist, and LINDA J. HARRIS, Extension Specialist in
Microbial Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, UC Davis, working from
the original publication by GEORGE YORK, Professor Emeritus, and REESE VAUGHN
(deceased), Department of Food Science and Technology, UC Davis.
UNIVERSITY OF W HAT AR E OLIVES?

CALIFORNIA The olive tree, Olea europaea, valued for both its beauty and its fruit, has been a part
Division of Agriculture of Mediterranean civilization since before recorded history. The olive was cultivated
and Natural Resources and its oil traded as early as 3000 B.C.E. Olives and olive oil have been used for food,
http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu cooking, medicine, salve, soap, and lamp fuel.
Today, most of the world’s olives are still grown in the Mediterranean region.
The olive tree is best suited to areas with a Mediterranean climate—a long, hot grow-
ing season and a relatively cool winter. Most commercial olive acreage in the United
States is in California, with growth concentrated in the interior valleys of Central
California.
Five commercially important olive varieties are grown in California: Manzanillo,
the most common variety; Mission, which was originally cultivated by Franciscan
monks; and Sevillano, Ascolano, and Barouni, which have very large fruit. Over 80
percent of California’s olives are used in the production of canned black ripe style or
California black ripe style olives; the remaining crop is crushed for olive oil or pro-
cessed into specialty styles of olives. Many other popular table and oil olive variet-
ies, including Kalamata, Hojiblanca, and Picholine, are grown on a smaller scale in
orchards and home gardens throughout California.
N UTR I TI ON
Olives and olive oil are good sources of monounsaturated fat. Olive oil has the high-
est percentage (over 70%) of monounsaturated fat of any edible oil. Olives and olive
oil also contain other minor components such as pigments, flavonoids, and phenolic
compounds that act as antioxidants and may offer protective health benefits.
S EL ECTI N G FRESH OLIVES

Select only freshly harvested, unbruised olives for processing at home. Olives are har-
vested at different stages of ripeness (fig. 1)—green-ripe, turning color, and naturally
black ripe. The first mature green-ripe olives are ready to be picked in California start-
ing in mid-September, when the fruit have reached their full size. Mature green-ripe
olives will release a characteristic creamy white juice when you squeeze them. Most
green-ripe olives are harvested when they are even colored, from yellow-green to a
straw color. As the olives ripen further, their color turns from yellow-green to rose to
red-brown. These turning color olives are still firm and their flesh lacks dark pigment
or is partially pigmented close to the skin. Naturally black ripe olives are allowed to
ripen fully on the tree. They reach the desired dark red to purple or black stage of
color about 3 to 4 months after the green-ripe stage.
Note: Research on food preservation is ongoing—recommendations may change. Make sure your food
preservation information is always current. Always follow up-to-date, tested guidelines and recipes
from reliable sources. 06/2007
ANR Publication 8267 2
Figure 1. Freshly harvested olives at different stages of ripeness: green-ripe (1 and 2); yellow-
green to straw (3); rose to red-brown (4 and 5); and red-brown (6) (may be too soft for some
types of olive curing). Not shown are naturally black ripe olives (also described as dark red to
purplish black).
Naturally black ripe olives are harvested in California starting in mid-November

and continuing through December, depending on the variety, crop yield, and region,
and on weather conditions. When mature, these olives will release a reddish black liq-
uid when you squeeze them and their flesh will be nearly completely pigmented. Ripe
olives bruise easily and must be handled with care.
The oil content of olives increases during ripening. Naturally black ripe olives
are primarily used for oil extraction. Black olives with pigment through to the stone
are considered overripe and will be softer when processed, but are the preferred
fruit for some types of dried olives. Olives with varying maturity will usually need
to be sorted according to ripeness before you begin any of the processing methods
described in this publication.
Some olive varieties are preferred for specific olive styles, based on their flavor,
texture, size, and processing characteristics. For example, the Manzanillo variety is
ideal for lye-cured olives and Spanish-style green olives, the Mission variety is excel-
lent for dry salt cured ripe olives and dark ripe style or California black ripe style
olives, the Kalamata variety is ideal for Kalamata-style water-cured olives, and the
Sevillano variety is often used for Sicilian-style fermented olives.
S TOR I N G F R ES H OLIVES
Fresh olives, especially naturally black ripe olives, should be processed within a few
days after harvest if possible. Green-ripe olives generally store better than naturally
black ripe olives. For best quality, store olives at temperatures between 41° and 50°F,
preferably in shallow, ventilated crates. Storage of fresh olives at colder temperatures
(from 32° to 36°F) for 2 weeks or more can cause chill injury that will lead to inter-
nal browning and skin browning. Chill injury shouldn’t be a problem if the olives are
exposed to these colder temperatures for only short periods of time. Sevillano olives
are most susceptible to chill injury, followed by Ascolano, Manzanillo, and Mission
(least susceptible). Prolonged (6 weeks or more) storage of fresh olives at 50°F can
cause surface pitting and spotting.
M ETHOD S F OR C URING O LIVES

Olives picked off the tree contain a very bitter compound called oleuropein. Harvested
olives must be “cured” to remove the bitterness in order to make them palatable. The
most common curing processes use brine, dry salt, water, or lye treatments. During
these curing processes the water-soluble oleuropein compound is leached out of the
olive flesh.
The flavor and texture of each style of olive depends partly on the curing process
used. Lye-curing is the most rapid and efficient process for de-bittering, but many
people think that lye-cured olives are less flavorful than other styles of olives. Brined
olives undergo a natural fermentation not unlike that used for traditional dill pickles
and sauerkraut. Acids produced in the fermentation process by lactic acid bacteria
that are naturally present on the fruit give these olives a distinctive flavor and aroma.
Brined olives tend to be saltier than lye-cured olives. Water curing does not change
the flavor of the olives as much as other curing methods. This publication includes
directions for making water-cured, brine-cured, dry salt cured, and lye-cured olives.
The storage life of the olives that you prepare at home varies depending on
the olive style, and is indicated in the instructions. For a longer storage life you can
CAUTION: If at any time preserve some olives using additional methods (e.g., freezing, drying, pressure can-
the olives become moldy or ning)—see table 1 for suitable preservation methods for the olive styles included in
soft or bad smelling, do not this publication.
eat them or taste them. (See
precautions under “Disposal
of Spoiled and Questionable WATER-CUR ED O LIVES
Olives.”) To prepare olives for water curing, you must first individually cut or crack each olive
so that the bitter oleuropein can more easily leach out. The prepared olives are soaked
in water and the water is changed daily over a week or more, depending on the olive
style and the desired level of bitterness. After curing, the olives are placed in a finish
brine, which is a vinegar-salt solution that adds the characteristic flavors. The advan-
tage of this method is that the olives are ready to eat within a few weeks. These olives
will still be slightly bitter because water curing removes less oleuropein than other
methods.
Table 1. Suitable preservation methods for home-prepared olives

Suitable preservation methods
Olive style Brine Refrigeration Freezing* Drying Pressure canning
Water-cured
Kalamata-style olives 3 3
Mediterranean-style cracked olives 3 3
Brine-cured
Greek-style black olives in brine 3 3
Sicilian-style green olives in brine 3 3
Dry salt cured 3 3
Lye-cured
Green olives 3 3 3 3 3
Dark ripe style olives 3 3 3 3 3
Lye-cured fermented
Spanish-style green olives 3 3 3
* Freezing is most suitable for smaller olive varieties with higher oil content (e.g., Mission, Kalamata, and Picholine); larger
varieties (e.g., Sevillano, Ascolano, and Barouni) will soften during freezing.
Instructions for two styles of water-cured olives are included here. Kalamata-
style olives are made with naturally black ripe olives that are cut before they are
soaked in water. Mediterranean-style cracked olives are made with green-ripe olives
that are cracked before soaking.
Use pickling salt. We
recommend that you use Kalamata-style olives
pickling salt (also known
as canning salt, pure Use ripe, fully colored (dark-red to purplish black) fruit to prepare this style of olive.
salt with no additives, Make sure the olives are firm and were harvested before the first frost. Use an oil-
or sodium chloride) for rich olive variety such as Kalamata or Mission. Do not use Sevillano olives: they will
making brines and for salting become too soft.
olives. The anti-caking agents
added to regular table salt Supplies needed
will turn the brine cloudy. The
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quantities of salt used in the
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quantity of table salt can be
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salt or kosher salt (which fruit.
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reduced “salt substitutes.”
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above) and cover olives with fresh, cool water. Keep the olives submerged by
placing a heavy plate or a sealed plastic food-storage bag filled with water over the
fruit. Close the container lid loosely and leave the olives to soak.
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Mediterranean-style cracked olives

Use green-ripe fruit of any variety to prepare this style of olive. After these olives are
cured and placed in the finish brine, you can also add a variety of seasonings, such as
oregano, garlic, and lemon slices, to provide additional flavor.
Supplies needed
• Green-ripe olives
• Pickling salt
• White wine vinegar
• Herbs, garlic, lemon, or other seasonings (optional)
• Airtight, food-grade plastic, or glass containers (for olives)
• 1-gallon container (for mixing brine)
Preparation
1. Sort the olives according to size, if desired, and discard any bruised or defective
fruit.
2. Rinse the olives in water, and drain.
3. Place olives one or two at a time on a clean cutting board and strike with the flat
side of a mallet or with a rolling pin. Crush each olive just to crack the flesh—do
not break the pits or remove them.
4. Place the cracked olives into a food-grade plastic pail (or other container as listed
above) and cover olives with fresh, cool water. Keep the olives submerged by
placing a heavy plate or a sealed plastic food-storage bag filled with water over the
fruit. Close the container lid loosely and leave the olives to soak.
5. After 24 hours, drain the olives and cover again with fresh, cool water. Repeat the
water change daily for 6 to 7 days to reach the desired level of de-bittering. If you
want less-bitter olives, continue to soak for a few more days and change water
daily.
6. Prepare the finish brine—add 1 pound (11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt to 1 gallon of
cool water, stir to dissolve, and add 2 cups of white wine vinegar. This amount of
solution is enough to treat about 10 pounds of fresh olives.
7. Drain the de-bittered olives and cover with the finish brine. At this point you can
add herbs or other seasonings if desired, such as chopped oregano, lemon slices,
and garlic cloves. Close the container lid firmly and refrigerate. Note: These olives
must be kept refrigerated. The olives are ready to eat after 4 days in the finish brine
or you can allow the flavors to develop more fully during longer refrigerated
storage.
8. These Mediterranean-style cracked olives can be stored in the refrigerator for up to
1 year in the finish brine.
BR I N E-CUR ED O LIVES
Olives can be cured by placing them directly into brine (a concentrated salt solution)
where they undergo a natural fermentation. The olives develop a unique flavor during
the fermentation when sugars in the fruit are converted to lactic and acetic acids. The
fermentation also breaks down the chemical bond between oleuropein and sugars in the
olive, allowing this bitter compound to be leached into the brine. Brine curing is simple
and requires only water and salt for the initial washing and fermentation. However, the
process takes at least 3 months and may take 6 months or longer, depending on the
fruit variety and maturity as well as the temperature, salt concentration, and acidity (pH
level) of the brine.
Green-ripe olives take longer to cure in brine than naturally black ripe olives.
Instructions for two styles of brine-cured olives are included here. Greek-style black
olives in brine are made with mature olives cured in strong brine over several months
to reduce the bitterness. Sicilian-style green olives in brine are made with green-
ripe olives that are cured in a batch of seasoned brine for 4 to 6 months. The salt is
one of the preservatives for these olives, helping to reduce chances of spoilage and to
ensure a consistent fermentation, so do not alter the brine concentrations given in the
instructions below. You can safely store both styles of olive in brine for 1 year.
Greek-style black olives in brine

Always use mature, fully colored (dark red to purplish black) fruit to prepare this
style of olive. Make sure the fruit is firm and was harvested before the first frost. You
can use any olive variety, but Manzanillo, Mission, or Kalamata are most common
for this method. Some of the olives’ coloring may fade during curing but they tend
to darken again when exposed to air. The cured olives may become slightly shriveled
because of the high salt concentration of the brine used to preserve them. The fin-
ished product will have some fruity and bitter flavors.
Supplies needed
• Mature, fully colored (dark red to purplish black) olives
• Pickling salt
• Airtight, food-grade plastic or glass containers (for olives)
Preparation
1. Sort the olives according to size, if desired—a batch of olives will cure more
evenly if the fruit are similar in size. Discard any bruised or defective fruit.
2. Pack the sorted olives into containers that can be made airtight—a 1-quart glass
jar is the smallest size recommended.
3. Prepare medium brine with 8 ounces (3⁄4 cup) of pickling salt per gallon of
cool water.
4. Cover the olives with brine and close lids loosely. Store the filled containers at
about 60° to 80°F.
5. After 7 days, replace brine with a fresh batch of strong brine made with 1 pound
(11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt per gallon of water. Close the lids firmly. Store the
olives in brine for at least 2 months. If you prefer less-bitter olives, replace the
brine with a fresh batch of strong brine at 1-month intervals for 2 or 3 months.
Changing the brine more often will leach out more of the bitter oleuropein.
6. Check the containers at regular intervals. If gas pressure builds up during

fermentation and causes the lids to bulge, carefully loosen the bulging lids to
release the gas, and then firmly close them again. The gas is naturally produced by
the bacteria that are responsible for the fermentation. If brine leaks out, replace it
with fresh strong brine made with 1 pound (11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt per 1 gallon
of water.
7. If you like fairly bitter olives you can eat these olives (or use them for cooking)
after 2 months of storage. If you prefer less-bitter olives, store the olives for at
least 3 months before eating.
8. These Greek-style black olives can be stored in the strong brine in a cool, dark
place for at least 1 year if the jars remain airtight (to minimize surface yeast and
mold growth) and the lids do not corrode.
9. To avoid mold growth on the surface after opening an olive container, refrigerate
any uneaten olives. To reduce saltiness, you can soak the olives in water overnight
before eating them out-of-hand. After this soaking you can also place the olives
in a little olive oil. The olive oil may congeal in the refrigerator, so before serving
allow the olives to sit at room temperature until the oil has liquefied.
Sicilian-style olives
Sicilian-style olives are similar to the common Spanish-style cocktail olives but are
somewhat more bitter because they are only fermented in brine that has been sea-
soned with various herbs and spices. Commercially prepared cocktail olives are also
cured with lye, which removes more of the bitterness. Use green-ripe olives of any
variety, although Sevillano is most commonly used. With Sevillano, discard any olives
with color (rose or red-brown): they will soften and will not hold up to the curing
process.
Supplies needed
• Green-ripe olives (usually Sevillano)
• Dill pickle spices or desired seasonings
• Pickling salt
• Vinegar (5% acetic acid)
• Airtight, food-grade plastic or glass containers (for olives)
• 1-gallon container (for brine)
Preparation
1. Sort the olives according to size, if desired, and discard any bruised or defective
fruit.
2. Pack the olives into quart or half-gallon glass jars that can be made airtight, or
place larger amounts in food-grade plastic pails or barrels with tight fitting lids.
3. To each container add seasonings as desired. You may want to add dill pickle spices—
use about 1 level tablespoon per quart jar or 1 rounded tablespoon per 2-quart jar.
You may also try adding a little fennel seed (1⁄2 teaspoon per quart) or a sprig of fresh
fennel or dill, as well as chopped garlic. Or you may prefer to make a “hot” seasoning
by adding whole peppercorns and whole dried chili peppers, as desired.
4. Prepare brine. The amount of salt to use depends on the size of the olives. For
large olives (e.g., Sevillano and Ascolano varieties), which shrivel easily in a strong
salt brine, prepare a medium-strong brine with 10 ounces (1 cup) of pickling salt
per gallon of cool water. For small olives (e.g., Manzanillo and Mission varieties),
which do not shrivel easily in salt brines, prepare a strong brine with 1 pound
(11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt per gallon of cool water.
5. Add about 2 cups of vinegar to each gallon of brine. Cover the olives in the jars or
barrel with the brine-vinegar mixture and loosely close the lids.
6. Store the olives in brine at about 70°F for about 2 months, checking the
containers at regular intervals. Fermentation will be most rapid at temperatures
between 70° and 90°F. During the initial period of active fermentation (4 or 5
days), when a large amount of gas forms and excessive foaming and frothing
occur, take care to replace any lost brine. Keep the containers full of brine at all
times. Replacement brine should be made with 10 ounces (1 cup) of pickling salt
plus 12⁄3 cups of vinegar per gallon of water.
7. When gas bubbles stop forming (within 2 months), tighten container lids firmly
and store for at least another 2 to 4 months or until the olives develop the flavor
you desire.
8. These Sicilian-style green olives can be stored in a cool, dark place for at least 1
year in brine when properly fermented, if the jars remain airtight (to minimize
surface yeast and mold growth) and the lids do not corrode.
DRY S ALT- CUR E D O LIVES

Prepare dry salt cured olives from fully ripe, mature fruit that is dark red to black.
Oil-rich varieties such as Mission are commonly used, but other varieties will also
work. Use smaller olives; larger ones will soften too much during the process. Salting
dehydrates the olive flesh, resulting in a soft, moist, shriveled product. Dry salt cured
olives will be ready to eat about 5 to 6 weeks after you begin the salting process.
These olives are salty and also slightly bitter because dry salt curing removes less
oleuropein than other methods.
Dry salt cured olives can be stored for up to 6 months in a refrigerator, as
described below, or they can be frozen for longer storage (see Methods for Preserving
Cured Olives).
Supplies needed
• Mature, fully colored (dark red to purplish black) olives
• Pickling salt
• Slat wood box, wicker or plastic basket, or plastic bin (for olives)
• Cheesecloth or nylon mesh
• Airtight, food-grade plastic or glass containers (to store olives)
Preparation
1. Sort the olives and discard any bruised or defective fruit.
2. Prepare a large container that will hold the olives and salt. Use a slat wood box, a
large wicker basket (it will likely stain), or a plastic bin with some drainage holes
cut into the bottom. Line the bottom of the container with clean cheesecloth or
nylon mesh. NOTE: Place the container outdoors (under cover) or over a large
pan so the draining brine will not ruin your floors. Raise the container on small
blocks to improve air circulation around the bottom.
3. Weigh the sorted olives and place them into the container. Add about 1 pound
(11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt for every 2 pounds of olives. Mix the salt and olives
very thoroughly in the container to distribute the salt and prevent mold from
developing. Pour a 1-inch layer of additional pickling salt over the olives. Cover
the container with clean cheesecloth and let it stand at about 60° to 80°F.
4. After 1 week, re-mix the salted olives by pouring them into a clean pail and then
back into the first container. Add a small layer of salt over the top of the olives.
Cover the container with a clean cloth and let it stand.
5. Repeat the mixing process once a week for the next month, until the olives are
cured and edible.
6. When the olives are ready, pour them over a coarse screen to sift out any
remaining salt. Allow the olives to dry overnight at room temperature.
7. Before storing the olives, add 1 pound (11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt to each 10
pounds of cured olives. Mix the olives and salt thoroughly and pack them into
airtight containers (to minimize surface yeast and mold growth). Store in a cool
place and use within 1 month, or refrigerate for up to 6 months, or store in a
home freezer for up to a year. (Olives tend to become rancid if stored longer.) You
can use these olives, as is, for cooking. For eating out-of-hand, you can first dip
the olives briefly into boiling water to remove salt, allow them to air dry, and then
rub them with a little olive oil and add herbs, such as rosemary, before serving.
U SING LYE SAFELY

Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide or caustic soda, is a multipurpose
chemical that is commonly used in making soap, peeling some types of CAUTION: Lye must always
peaches, and in preparing some foods, such as Scandinavian lutefisk, be handled very carefully
hominy, and olives. since it is an extremely cor-
Lye will react with some metals, so it is important to use only cer- rosive and a highly reactive
chemical. Lye can cause
tain materials when working with lye in the home. Safe materials for
severe burns, permanent
containers and utensils include stainless steel, cast iron, enamelware,
injury, or scarring if it comes
glass, heatproof stoneware, wooden barrels, and household plastics that into contact with your skin
are intended for food use. It is best to use light-colored containers, as or eyes. Always wear eye
dark colors may leach color. When using a dark-colored container, first protection (safety goggles)
soak it for a few days in a lye solution made by adding 2 ounces of lye and intact rubber gloves
(4 level tablespoons of flake lye or 3 level tablespoons of granular lye) to when working with lye. Wear
1 gallon of water. Always add the lye to the water, not water to the lye. closed-toed shoes, long pants,
Rinse the container thoroughly before use. and a shirt with long sleeves.
A face shield, rubber apron,
Sources of lye and rubber boots are also
highly recommended. (Also
The lye used to cure olives must be 100 percent (%) pure see First Aid for Lye Contact,
CAUTION: Never use alumi-
sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or below.)
num, tin, lead, or zinc galva-
lye. Pure lye is available in some hardware stores (try the
nized metals with lye: lye will
corrode and ruin containers or plumbing section) and farm supply stores. You can also
utensils made of these metals, order pure lye from some soap making, chemical, or hobby
and the reaction will give off suppliers. Because lye is a reactive chemical it is shipped
hydrogen gas. Lye also dis- in small quantities and often only by surface transportation. You can search the
solves the zinc in galvanized internet for “lye sources” in your area, or search under “soap making supplies,”
coatings, which may make “chemistry supplies sodium hydroxide,” or “sodium hydroxide.”
olives in such containers
poisonous. Lye suppliers
Supplier information can become outdated very quickly,
so we have not included specific supplier names in this
publication. Contact your County University of California
Cooperative Extension office for an updated list or search online or in CAUTION: Many people
the yellow pages for the types of local suppliers mentioned above. used to use a product called
Red Devil (a 100% lye drain
Using lye cleaner) as a source of house-
Pure lye is available in flake or granular form (beads or pellets). You hold lye, but this product is
can use either type of lye, but note that an ounce (by weight) of flake no longer being manufac-
tured. Do not substitute other
lye has a greater volume than an ounce of granular lye. Use an accurate
types of drain cleaners unless
scale to weigh the lye, if possible. Weight measurements are provided in
the label clearly states that
all recipes in this brochure, along with approximate volume measure- the product is “100% lye.”
ments for flake and granular lye.
To make a lye solution, add the lye carefully to cold water (never
add water to lye) and stir the solution until the lye is completely dis-
solved. When you add lye to water, heat is generated. You must cool the
lye solution down to 65° to 70°F before using it with olives—hotter lye solutions will soften
and discolor the olives. Use a thermometer to accurately measure the temperature of lye solu-
tions.
Always store lye in an airtight, moisture-resistant container and keep it safely away from
children and pets.
Disposal of lye solutions

NOTE: 2 ounces (by weight)
Plan your lye disposal before you start preparing any lye-cured olives. If pos-
of lye = 4 level tablespoons sible, set up your olive production area close to a household drain (e.g., a
of flake lye OR 3 level table- laundry sink or a spare bathtub) so that you will not have to carry pails of
spoons of granular lye. this corrosive solution through your house. Carefully pour used lye solution
and any rinse water containing traces of lye down a household drain so that
the solution enters your community’s water treatment system. Flush the drain
well with additional water to remove all traces of lye. Do NOT pour lye solu-
tions into storm sewer drains on the street.
First Aid for Lye Contact

For lye on the skin:
• Take off any clothing touched by the lye.

• Rinse the skin with large amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
• Call Poison Control*.
For lye in the eye:
• Rinse the eye with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

For swallowed lye:
• Give small SIPS of water or milk immediately.

• Do NOT try to make the person throw up (vomit).
• If the person is unconscious, convulsing, or having a hard time breathing or swallowing,
call 911 immediately.
* Check the front of your local telephone book for the number of Poison Control or the Poison Information
Center in your region.
Write the number here for reference: _________________________
LY E -CUR ED O L IVES
Olives can be rapidly cured by placing them in a lye (sodium hydroxide) solution.
The lye breaks the chemical bond between oleuropein (bitterness compound) and
sugars in the olives. After curing is complete, you remove all traces of lye with a
CAUTION: Before making series of cold water rinses and then pack the olives in brine. The rinsing process also
lye-cured olives, be sure to removes the bitterness, leaving a neutral, somewhat “buttery” flavored olive that can
thoroughly read and under-
accept flavors from vinegar and herbs in the brine. There is no fermentation step in
stand the accompanying
this method. Lye-cured olives have a firm texture and a smooth, mild taste.
section, Using Lye Safely. Lye
is extremely corrosive to the Instructions for two styles of lye-cured olives are included here—Green olives
skin. Always wear intact rub- and Dark ripe style olives. Both styles are made using green-ripe fruit. The rich
ber gloves and eye protec- brown-black color of the dark ripe style olives develops when you deliberately expose
tion. Use the correct utensils the fruit to air during the lye-curing process. Natural phenolic compounds in the
when working with lye—do olives react with oxygen to create the black color.
not use aluminum, tin, or
Before you start to prepare these lye-cured olives, familiarize yourself with the
galvanized metal.
color of the fresh olive flesh so that you can later recognize the color change that
occurs due to lye penetration (see Test for lye penetration). Take a few representative
olives and cut out a quarter section from the skin to the pit of each olive. In a green
olive, the flesh color will probably be quite white; if the olive is reddish brown on the
outside, the flesh inside may have some color.
Lye-cured olives can be stored for up to 2 months in brine, as described below,
or they can be preserved for longer storage by freezing, drying, or pressure canning
(see Methods for Preserving Cured Olives).
Test for lye penetration: Green ripe olives

To test how far the lye has
Choose green, straw-colored, or slightly red fruit—it is best to use olives that are
penetrated the olives during
a curing process, carefully
similar in color (same degree of ripeness) and size for even curing. This process will
remove several olives from produce straw-yellow to green-brown olives that are ready to eat within about 2 weeks
the lye solution (using a plas- after the start of the lye treatment.
tic, wooden, or stainless steel
spoon) and rinse under plenty Supplies needed
of running water. Cut sample • Green, straw-colored, or slightly red olives
olives to the pit with a sharp
knife. If you are curing dif- • Protective equipment (rubber gloves, goggles, etc.—see Using Lye Safely)
ferent-sized olives, test the • Lye (100% pure)
largest fruits for lye penetra- • Lye-resistant container and utensils (to measure, mix, and hold lye solution)
tion. The lye solution discolors
the flesh to a yellowish green • Lye-resistant containers (to hold curing olives)
color. Olives that are com- • Cheesecloth or nylon mesh
pletely penetrated will have • Pickling salt
uniformly yellowish green
flesh from the skin to the pit. • 1-gallon container (for mixing brine)
If the lye has not penetrated • Airtight, food-grade plastic or glass containers (to hold olives in brine)
completely, you will see milky
white flesh surrounding the Preparation
pit and extending out to
where it meets the lye-discol-
1. Sort the olives according to size, if desired. If olives in each treatment batch are
ored flesh. similar in size and color, the lye can penetrate all of the olives in that batch at a
more even rate. Discard any bruised, defective, or black ripe fruit.
2. Place the sorted olives into a lye-resistant container. Use a separate container for
each size of fruit.
3. Prepare a lye solution by carefully adding 2 ounces of lye (4 level tablespoons of
flake lye or 3 level tablespoons of granular lye) to every gallon of cold water. The
solution will heat up during mixing. Always add the lye to the water, not water
to the lye. Cool the solution to 65° to 70°F before use.
4. Cover the olives with the cooled lye solution—you will need to check these
olives regularly over the next 12 hours, so keep this in mind before you start
the lye treatment. Place a cloth or nylon mesh over the olives and weigh down
firmly with a heavy plate to keep the olives submerged. To keep the olives from
darkening you must avoid exposing the fruit to the air during the lye treatment.
5. Stir the olives every 2 hours until the lye reaches the pits—this usually takes 10 to
12 hours. At intervals of 1 to 2 hours do the test for lye penetration as described
in the sidebar. When lye penetration is complete, proceed to Step 7; if lye does not
penetrate completely within 12 hours, go to Step 6.
6. If the lye has not reached the pits after 12 hours, carefully drain off the lye
solution. Cover the olives with a cool, fresh lye solution of 1 ounce of lye (2 level
tablespoons of flake lye or 1 level tablespoon plus 1 level teaspoon of granular
lye) per gallon of water. Let stand until lye penetration is complete. This may take
as long as 30 hours if the fruit is very green. NOTE: Sometimes this second lye
treatment is insufficient because some olives neutralize most of the lye before it
can penetrate to the pits. In this case you must drain the olives again and cover
them with a cool, fresh lye solution of 11⁄2 ounces of lye (3 level tablespoons
of flake lye or 2 level tablespoons of granular lye) per gallon of water. Let the
olives stand until the solution reaches the pits as determined by the test for lye
penetration. Then proceed with Step 7.
7. Drain off the final lye solution, rinse the olives twice in cold water, and then cover
them with fresh, cold water and let stand.
8. For the next few days, change the water at least two times each day to “wash”
the olives (to remove the lye). Work quickly to drain and cover olives with fresh
water so that you limit their exposure to air. This will help keep the fruit from
darkening. After 2 to 3 days, begin to taste the olives regularly until you can no
longer taste the lye (lye tastes soapy). This washing step may take as long as 7
or 8 days, depending on the size of the olives, the frequency of rinsing, and the
volume of water you use. The color of the rinse water will gradually change with
each “wash”—going from an olive green color to a lighter yellow to a pink and
then to clear water. When washing is complete, drain the water from the olives.
These olives must then be brined: for short-term storage, proceed with Step 9; for
longer storage, follow instructions in Step 10.
9. For short-term storage (2 weeks): Prepare a light brine containing 4 ounces (6
level tablespoons) of pickling salt per gallon of water. Cover the olives with the
brine and let stand for 2 days. (If the brine turns slightly pink when you add it to
the rinsed olives, some lye is still present. Repeat Step 8 and wash until all lye is
removed.) After standing in brine for 2 days, the olives are ready for use. They can
be stored in a refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a tightly covered container.
10. For longer storage (2 months): Prepare a medium brine using 8 ounces (3⁄4 cup) of
pickling salt per gallon of water. Store the olives in this brine for 1 week. Drain
and replace with a strong brine made with 1 pound (11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt
per gallon of water. After 10 to 12 days, drain and replace again with fresh brine
made with 1 pound (11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt per gallon of water. It is important,
especially with larger olives, that you gradually increase the brine strength as
described here to limit shriveling of the olives. These brined olives can be stored
in a refrigerator for up to 2 months in a tightly covered container. Before you eat
them, soak a portion of these olives overnight in water to remove excess salt. Then
use the olives within 3 days.
Dark ripe style olives

Choose green, straw-colored, or red fruit—it is best to use olives that are similar in
color (same degree of ripeness) and size for even curing. The curing process for this
olive style is more complex than for the green olive style. There are five separate lye
treatments and you expose the olives to air after each treatment to allow the brown-
black color to develop. These olives are similar to California black ripe style olives
and are ready to eat about 2 weeks after you start the lye treatments.
Supplies needed
• Green, straw-colored, or slightly red olives
• Protective equipment (rubber gloves, goggles, etc.—see Using Lye Safely)
• Lye (100% pure)
• Lye-resistant container and utensils (to measure, mix, and hold lye solution)
• Lye-resistant containers (to hold curing olives)
• Pickling salt
• Airtight, food-grade plastic or glass containers (to hold olives in brine)
Preparation
similar in size, the lye can penetrate all of the olives at a more even rate. Discard
any bruised, defective, or black ripe fruit.
2. Place the olives into a lye-resistant container. Use a separate container for each
size of fruit.
3. First lye treatment: Prepare a lye solution by carefully adding 11⁄2 ounces of lye (3
level tablespoons of flake lye or 2 level tablespoons of granular lye) to every gallon
of cold water. The solution will heat up during mixing. Always add the lye to the
water, not water to the lye. Cool the solution to 65° to 70°F before use. Pour the
cooled lye solution over the olives to cover them completely and let stand until
the solution just penetrates the skins. Start checking the olives after 3 hours as
described in the Test for lye penetration; continue to check every 30 minutes until
you detect lye-discolored olive flesh just beneath the skin. Pour off the lye solution
and expose the olives to the air for 1 day—simply leave the olives in the same
container and stir them gently at three evenly spaced intervals during the day.
4. Second lye treatment: Prepare fresh lye solution, as above. Pour the solution over
the olives and let stand until it penetrates 1⁄32 to 1⁄16 inch into the flesh. Pour off the
solution and expose the olives to the air for 1 day as described in Step 3.
5. Third lye treatment: Prepare fresh lye solution as above. Pour the solution over the
olives and let stand until it penetrates 1⁄8 to 3⁄16 inch into the flesh. Pour off the
6. Fourth lye treatment: Prepare fresh lye solution as above. Pour the solution over
the olives and let stand until it penetrates 3⁄16 to 5⁄16 inch into the flesh. Pour off the
7. Fifth lye treatment: Make a slightly stronger fresh lye solution by adding 2 ounces
of lye (4 level tablespoons of flake lye or 3 level tablespoons of granular lye) to
every gallon of cold water. Cool to 65° to 70°F. Pour the solution over the olives
and let stand until it penetrates completely to the pits. Pour off the solution and
expose the olives to the air for 1 day as described in Step 3.
8. Cover the olives with cold water. Change the water two times daily to wash the
olives (to remove lye). After 2 to 3 days, begin to taste the olives daily until you
can no longer taste the lye (lye tastes soapy). This washing step may take as long
as 7 or 8 days.
9. Drain the water, cover the olives with brine, and then let stand for 2 days
before eating. Dark ripe style olives in light brine, made with 4 ounces (6 level
tablespoons) of pickling salt per gallon of water, can be refrigerated for up to 2
weeks in a tightly covered container. For a longer shelf life, cover the olives with
strong brine made with 1 pound (11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt per gallon of water—in
this solution, the olives can be refrigerated for up to 2 months in a tightly covered
container. Before eating, remove the olives you plan to eat and soak them overnight
in water to remove excess salt, and make sure to use them within 3 days.
LY E -CUR ED F ERMENTED OLIVES

Olives can also be cured using an initial lye treatment and then fermented in brine for
several months. Acids produced in the fermentation by lactic acid bacteria give these
olives a distinctive flavor and aroma. These bacteria are naturally present on fresh
olives but in concentrations that may not be high enough for a successful fermenta-
tion after the lye treatment. A starter culture of lactic acid bacteria is generally added
to the treated olives to encourage the fermentation. The Spanish-style green olive, the
popular cocktail olive, is lye-cured and fermented. Instructions are included here.
Lye-cured fermented olives can be stored for up to a year in brine, as described
CAUTION: Before making below, or can be preserved for longer storage by pressure canning (see Methods for
lye-cured olives, be sure to Preserving Cured Olives).
thoroughly read and under-
stand the accompanying Spanish-style green olives
section, Using Lye Safely. Lye
is extremely corrosive to the Choose green to straw-colored fruit—it is best to use olives that are similar in color
skin. Always wear intact rub- (same degree of ripeness) and size for even curing. Sevillano and Manzanillo varieties
ber gloves and eye protec- are excellent for this olive style, but you can use any variety. This process will produce
tion. Use the correct utensils green olives with light flesh and a light brownish buff pit. The olives will be ready to
when working with lye—do eat about 2 months after you start the lye treatment, but will be more flavorful if you
not use aluminum, tin, or allow them to ferment for up to 6 months in brine.
galvanized metal.
Supplies needed
• Green or straw-colored olives
• Protective equipment (rubber gloves, goggles, etc.—see Using Lye Safely)
• Lye (100% pure)
• Lye-resistant container and utensils (to measure, mix, and hold lye solution)
• Lye-resistant containers (to hold curing olives)
• Pickling salt
• Lactic acid starter culture
• Airtight, food-grade plastic or glass containers (to hold olives in brine)
Preparation
similar in size then the lye can penetrate all of the olives at a more even rate.
Discard any bruised, defective, or black ripe fruit. Any bruise marks will become
highly visible on the pickled fruit.
2. For Sevillano olives, prepare a lye solution using 2 ounces of lye (4 level
tablespoons of flake lye or 3 level tablespoons of granular lye) per gallon of cold
water—this olive variety frequently blisters and peels if treated with a stronger
solution. For Manzanillo and Mission olives, prepare a stronger lye solution
Test for lye penetration:
using 21⁄2 ounces of lye (5 level tablespoons of flake lye or 31⁄2 level tablespoons
To test how far the lye has
penetrated the olives during
of granular lye) per gallon of cold water—these olives are more bitter than other
a curing process, carefully varieties but do not blister and peel as readily. The lye solution will heat up during
remove several olives from mixing. Cool the solution to 65° to 70°F before you use it in Step 3.
the lye solution (using a plas- 3. Cover olives with the cooled lye solution. Place clean cheesecloth or nylon
tic, wooden, or stainless steel mesh over the olives and weigh down firmly with a heavy plate to keep the fruit
spoon) and rinse under plenty
submerged. Olives will darken if exposed to air during curing, so keeping the
of running water. Cut sample
olives to the pit with a sharp
olives submerged in liquid will help prevent this undesirable color change.
knife. If you are curing dif- 4. Let the olives stand and allow the lye to penetrate the olive flesh about 3⁄4 of the
ferent-sized olives, test the way to the pits—this usually takes at least 5 hours. Check the olives every 1 to 2
largest fruits for lye penetra- hours using the Test for lye penetration as described in the sidebar.
tion. The lye solution discolors
the flesh to a yellowish green 5. When the lye penetration is adequate, pour off the lye solution and quickly cover
color. Olives that are com- the olives with cold water.
pletely penetrated will have
uniformly yellowish green
6. Change the water 3 to 4 times during the next 24 to 30 hours to wash the olives
flesh from the skin to the pit. (to remove lye). Avoid exposing the olives to the air during washing to keep
If the lye has not penetrated olives from darkening. Do not wash the olives more frequently than this, since
completely, you will see milky that would leach out the sugars needed for fermentation. After 24 hours, taste the
white flesh surrounding the olives to check that you can no longer taste the lye (lye tastes soapy). The olives
pit and extending out to will still have a slightly bitter taste.
where it meets the lye-discol-
ored flesh.
7. Prepare brine. The amount of salt to use depends on the size of olives. For small
olives (e.g., Manzanillo and Mission varieties), which do not shrivel easily in salt
brines, prepare strong brine with 1 pound (11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt per gallon of
water. For large olives (e.g., Sevillano and Ascolano varieties), which shrivel easily
in strong salt brines, prepare a medium-strong brine with 10 ounces (1 cup) of

NOTE: For Manzanillo or pickling salt per gallon of water.
Mission varieties, you may 8. After washing the olives, quickly pack them in suitable containers (described
need to add sugar or syrup below) and completely fill the containers with prepared brine (see Step 7). Loosely
to the brine to increase the close the container lids. For small quantities of olives, use quart-sized glass jars
fermentation and develop
that have tight fitting lids. For larger quantities of olives, use 1- to 5-gallon glass
the greater acidity desired
by some people. Do not add
jars, food-grade plastic pails, kegs, or large oak barrels. One gallon of olives in
sugar or syrup, though, until brine contains about 51⁄2 pounds of fruit.
the fermentation has been 9. Add “starter cultures” of lactic acid bacteria at this step in the olive curing process.
underway for at least 4 days. You can obtain a starter culture from bulk (unheated) dill pickle or sauerkraut
You can use white sugar, brine. If you do not make dill pickles or sauerkraut, you may be able to find the
cane syrup, corn syrup, or
unheated commercial product in a specialty deli. Do not use canned sauerkraut or
beet syrup. Add 11/2 level
teaspoons of sugar or 2 level
dill pickle brine, since that will not have any active bacteria. Add this brine at a
teaspoons of syrup per gallon rate of 6 fluid ounces (3⁄4 cup) per gallon of olives and brine.
of brine. 10. Store the olives in a place where the average temperature is below 100°F.
Fermentation will be most rapid at temperatures between 70° and 90°F. During the
initial period of active fermentation (4 or 5 days), a large amount of gas forms and
causes a great deal of foaming and frothing, so take great care to replace any lost
brine. Keep the containers full of brine at all times. Later, when gas production
is not so violent, tighten the lids to keep out the air and minimize surface yeast
and mold growth. Replacement brine should be made with 10 ounces (1 cup) of
pickling salt per gallon of water.
11. Allow the olives to stand for about 2 to 6 months in brine. Olives of this type
grow more flavorful with a longer fermentation. Fermentation is complete when
the olives have developed the desired acidity and characteristic taste of Spanish-
style green olives.
12. Spanish-style green olives can be stored in brine for up to a year in a cool, dark,
dry place.
M ETHOD S F OR PRESERVING C URED OLIVES

Once olives have been cured by brine, lye, or dry salt treatments, they are often placed
in light or medium brine or in oil. For longer storage, you can preserve some cured
olives in very strong brine, or by freezing, drying, or pressure canning.
CON CEN TR ATED BRINE

Cured olives can be preserved in heavily concentrated brine and stored at room tem-
perature in this brine for 8 to 9 months. Prepare very strong brine using about 21⁄2
pounds (4 cups) of pickling salt per gallon of water. Cover olives with the brine and
let stand. After 2 days, add an additional 10 ounces (1 cup) of pickling salt for each
gallon of brine used, and mix well. After two more days add another 10 ounces (1
cup) of pickling salt and mix well. Cover the olive container tightly for storage.
Before you eat these olives, soak them in fresh water: rinse and change the soak-
ing water four times over a period of 2 days.
F R EEZ I N G O L I VES
You can satisfactorily freeze olives that have a higher oil content (e.g., Mission,
Kalamata, and Picholine varieties) if they have been dry salt cured or lye cured, but
other olive varieties soften too much when you freeze them. Dry salt cured olives,
prepared as described earlier, can be packed directly into containers (see below) with-
out additional treatment. Lye-cured olives prepared using the green or dark ripe style
methods described earlier must be boiled in brine before you freeze them. For the
brine treatment, place olives in a stainless steel saucepan and cover with light brine
made with 4 ounces (6 level tablespoons) of pickling salt per gallon of water. Boil the
olives in brine for 10 to 15 minutes. This treatment will reduce softening during freez-
ing. Discard the brine, rinse and chill the olives in cold water, and then drain.
Pack the olives (do not use brine) into airtight, moisture-resistant plastic con-
tainers, freezer-safe glass jars, or plastic freezer bags to prevent the olives from drying
out during storage. You can keep olives in a home freezer (0°F) for up to 1 year.
Before serving, allow the olives to thaw thoroughly. If desired, you can roll the
thawed olives in olive or salad oil mixed with chopped garlic or other seasonings.
DRY I N G O L I V ES
Drying (dehydration) is the process of slowly removing water from food to preserve
the food. You can successfully dry lye-cured green and dark ripe style olives, with-
out further treatment, in the sun or in a home dehydrator. You can also dry naturally
black ripe olives—these are first blanched and then brine treated for 3 days before
drying in the sun or a dehydrator (see pretreatment details, below). Dried naturally
black ripe olives will be slightly bitter because little oleuropein is leached out in the
mild pretreatment. Dried olives can be used in cooking or eaten out-of-hand without
soaking.
The amount of time it takes to dry olives depends on their moisture content, the
olive variety and size, the volume being dried, the air’s humidity during the drying
process, and the dehydrator’s efficiency.
Naturally black ripe olive pretreatment: Place olives in boiling water for 3 minutes.
Drain olives and place them into a food-grade plastic, glass, or stainless steel container.
Cover the olives with strong brine made by adding 1 pound (11⁄2 cups) of pickling salt
per gallon of cool water; close container loosely. Store olives in brine for 3 days, and
then drain off the brine. These olives are now ready for drying.
Sun drying
The high salt and oil content of cured or pretreated naturally black ripe olives make
them safe to dry outdoors when conditions are right for drying (minimum tempera-
ture of 85°F and humidity less than 60%). Under these conditions, sun drying takes
about 5 to 6 days. Insects and birds may be attracted to drying olives, though, and
they may contaminate them. If you wish to try sun drying, please consult other reli-
able references on the subject. One good information source is Preserving Food:
Drying Fruits and Vegetables, available online from the University of Georgia at
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/uga/uga_dry_fruit.pdf.
Dehydrator drying
Unlike sun drying, which depends on proper weather conditions, dehydrator drying
can be done at any time. There is an initial expense involved when you buy a dehy-
drator, but many people think that a dehydrator produces the best-quality dried food.
An electric dehydrator can maintain low, even temperatures, circulating the heated
air by means of a blower or fan. Most dehydrators are equipped with thermostats
to maintain a constant temperature, and some have timers. Larger units with many
shelves have room for more food than most ovens.
Set the dehydrator temperature at 140°F. If your dehydrator does not have a
thermostat, place an accurate, easy-to-read thermometer on the bottom tray. Arrange
whole pretreated black ripe olives or lye-cured olives on drying trays in a single layer
so the fruits do not touch or overlap. Leave 1 to 2 inches between trays. It may be
necessary to turn the olives and rotate the trays up and down the stack during the
drying process. Olives will be dry in approximately 20 to 24 hours.
Packaging and storage

After drying, cool the olives for 30 to 60 minutes before packaging. Avoid packaging
warm olives, since that could lead to sweating and moisture buildup. But you should
also avoid long delays before you package because the olives may have an opportunity
to reabsorb moisture from the air that may cause them to spoil later.
Dried olives can be stored in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers. Pack the
olives tight in the bag or container, removing as much air as possible. If you use metal
containers, place the olives in a plastic bag first in order to prevent reaction with the
metal. The dried olives will keep for 3 to 4 months in a cool place, but they tend to
become rancid if stored longer at room temperature. You can keep dried olives in the
refrigerator or home freezer (0°F) for about a year.
To rehydrate dried olives, soak them in slightly salted water (1⁄2 cup salt per gal-
lon of water) until plump, about 8 to 12 hours. Add garlic and spices if desired.
CAN N I N G CUR E D OLIVES
Disclaimer
A pressure canner must be used if you choose to process olives. Olives are low-acid
foods that need very high temperatures (at least 240°F) for proper sterilization and
safe canning. These high temperatures can only be reached under pressure. NEVER
use a boiling water bath canner or a steam canner to can olives. If not properly ster-
ilized, home-canned olives are a potentially dangerous source of food poisoning,
including botulism. Carefully follow the pressure canning directions given below to
help eliminate the danger of spoilage or food poisoning.
Preparation of olives
The most suitable olives for home canning include the lye-cured and lye-cured fer-
mented olives, such as Green olives, Dark ripe style olives, and Spanish-style green
olives. Prepare these olives according to the instructions provided earlier in this pub-
lication, and then follow the directions below for canning. Olives for home canning
must be left whole (not minced, crushed, chopped, or sliced) and then packed
in brine.
Using the right equipment

Containers for canning
Make sure all glass jars are free of cracks and chips. These defects will prevent airtight
seals. Jars that are manufactured specifically for home canning are recommended.
Glass mayonnaise jars and similar jars are not recommended for use in home can-
ning because they are not manufactured for repeated heating and have a higher rate of
breakage, particularly in pressure canners. Wash the jars in hot, soapy water and rinse
them, or you can wash them in a dishwasher.
Lids and rings

Select the correct size of lids to fit your jars. Always use new lids each time you are
canning. Ring bands can be reused if they are in good condition. Wash and thor-
oughly dry the rings before you store them and they will remain in good condition for
years. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pretreating the canning lids. Metal
lids have a sealing compound and usually need to be heated prior to use.
Filling jars
Prepare a brine using 4 ounces (6 level tablespoons) of pickling salt per gallon of
water. Heat the brine to boiling. Pack the prepared olives to the shoulder of the jar
and cover completely with the boiling brine, leaving a 1⁄2-inch headspace (fig. 2). Do
not overfill the containers. Do not let the jars stand on a cold surface while you are
filling them, as the jars may crack. After adding brine to the recommended headspace,
use a plastic knife or spatula to dislodge air bubbles trapped inside the jars. Then add
more brine if necessary.
Adjusting seals
With a clean, damp cloth or towel, carefully wipe the rim and screw threads of the jar.
Place the clean, prepared lid on the rim of the jar and screw the ring band on firmly.
Do not overtighten. If tightened too much, the lids will not vent correctly, causing
Figure 2. Leave adequate buckling of the lid, loss of the seal a day or two after processing, and possibly glass
headspace in jars. breakage during processing.
Using a pressure canner

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your pressure canner if the
canner was purchased after 1990. Make sure that the canner is in good working order
and that its pressure gauge is accurate. Modern pressure canners may have a dial
gauge to indicate pressure or a weighted gauge to indicate and regulate pressure.
A free online publication from the University of California, Safe Methods of
Canning Vegetables (UC ANR Publication 8072), provides detailed information on
using pressure canners safely, including those canners purchased before 1990. You
can access the publication at http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu. The National Center for
Home Food Preservation is another reliable source of information; their publication,
Preserving Food: Using Pressure Canners, is available online at http://www.uga.edu/
nchfp/how/can_home.html.
Choose a suitable rack

Use a rack that is steady in the bottom of the canner. Do not use a solid piece of
wood or metal. You can use a shallow, openworked wire rack if the openings are nar-
row enough to prevent the jars from tilting. For two layers of jars, use a second rack
set high enough to separate the layers. For small jars, use a rack that is high enough
to allow at least 2 inches of water in the bottom of the pressure canner—the jars
should not be covered with water.
Use enough water in the canner

Water is necessary to form steam for exhausting (venting) and pressurizing the can-
ner. When you have your jars of food ready for canning, put the rack and hot water
into the canner. Use about 2 to 3 inches of hot water in a dial gauge canner—this will
be enough water to keep the canner from boiling dry. Use an additional 1 to 2 inches
of water in weighted gauge canners that continually vent steam during the processing
time. It is all right for the water to come to within 2 inches of the tops of the cans or
jars. The amount of water you use will vary with the height of the rack, the size and
number of jars, and the diameter of the canner. Heat the water to a simmer and keep
it hot.
Venting the canner

Arrange the hot, filled jars fitted with lids on the rack in the canner so that they do
not touch each other or the canner wall. Securely fasten the canner’s lid according
to the manufacture’s instructions. Open the petcock or leave the weight off the vent
pipe. Place the canner over high heat and bring the water to a boil and allow steam
to flow freely from the petcock or vent pipe. Keep the heat setting at high and let
the steam flow for at least 10 minutes to “vent” the canner. All of the air must be
removed so that the temperature will rise as high as it should at a given steam pres-
sure.
Processing using a pressure canner

After venting the canner, close the petcock or place the weight on the vent pipe. The
canner pressure will rise during the next several minutes. Start timing the process
when the weighted-gauge canner reaches 10 pounds pressure, indicated by the rock-
ing of the weighted gauge, or when the dial-gauge canner reaches 11 pounds pressure
as shown on the dial gauge. For elevations above sea level, increase the pressure in
the canner according to the figures in table 2. Local elevations may be found online,
typically at sites that also report the weather. You may also check with your county
University of California Cooperative Extension office for altitude information.
Table 2. Recommended canning pressures at various elevations (altitudes)

Processing pressure (psi*) at various elevations (ft)
Sea level to
Type of canner 1,000 ft 1,001 – 2,000 ft 2,001 – 4,000 ft 4,001 – 6,000 ft > 6,000 ft
Weighted gauge 10 15 15 15 15
Dial gauge 11 11 12 13 14
* pounds per square inch.
Process olives packed in brine for 60 minutes for pints or 70 minutes for quarts
at the recommended pressure (see table 2). Control the heat to keep the pressure con-
stant—check the canner manufacture’s instructions to see how to maintain the recom-
mended pressures. A loss of pressure can result in underprocessing and unsafe food. If
the pressure falls below the recommended level at any time, bring the canner back to
pressure and begin timing over again from the beginning, using the total original pro-
cessing time.
Cooling and opening the canner

After processing is finished, turn off the heat. It is best not to move the canner while it
is cooling. If you move the canner do not tilt it and do not set it on a cold surface. For
dial gauge canners let the pressure return to zero, wait a few more minutes, and then
gradually open the petcock and remove the canner cover. For weighted gauge canners
the cooling must be timed: at least 30 minutes for pints and 45 minutes for quarts.
After this cooling time, no steam should escape when the weighted gauge is gently
nudged. Open the vent pipe before you remove the cover of the canner. Open the lid
away from you to protect yourself from any remaining steam that escapes.
Removing and storing jars

Use a jar lifter to remove the jars from the canner or hold a dishcloth over the top of
each jar as you lift it. Place jars on a towel, board, or cooling rack, not on a cold sur-
face. Bubbling in the jars is normal—it is the sign of a good seal and means that the
contents are boiling under vacuum. Do not tighten any loose ring bands after process-
ing. Retightening may damage the seal. Let the jars stand undisturbed for 24 hours to
cool completely.
After 24 hours, test each jar’s seal by pressing one finger on the middle of the
lid—the lid should stay depressed and should not move. For jars with good seals,
remove the ring bands and wipe the jars with a damp cloth. Label and date the jars
and store them in a cool, dark, dry place. You can expect to keep canned green or dark
ripe olives for 1 year if you have prepared them correctly. After that their quality will
begin to decline.
Steam pockets frequently form in the flesh of olives that are home canned in
glass jars. If the pocket formation is so extensive that the olives are honeycombed,
they will lose firmness, but this is a harmless defect.
Reprocessing
Jars that did not seal can be refrigerated and used within a few days or you can repro-
cess them within 24 hours. To reprocess, use a new metal lid and check each jar for
flaws. Empty the contents of the jar(s) into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Fill
clean, hot jars and process for the full length of time (60 or 70 minutes) originally
recommended.
Disposal of spoiled and questionable olives

Botulism is a food poisoning that can be fatal. It is caused by eating the poison pro-
duced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can grow in low-acid foods
(>pH 4.6) in the absence of air. Lye-cured non-fermented olives are low-acid foods.
Olives canned improperly at home have caused botulism poisoning.
If olives become moldy, soft, or bad smelling at any time during curing or pre-
serving, do not eat them or even taste them. Never taste canned olives that appear
to be spoiled. Corroded lids, bulging or rusted containers, and jars with liquid ooz-
ing from under the lid are signs of canned food spoilage. If the contents of the jar
appear moldy, gassy, or have a disagreeable odor, discard the food carefully. Never feed
spoiled or questionable olives to animals or poultry: animals and birds can be sensi-
tive to botulism.
Before discarding spoiled or questionable olives, you must detoxify the container
and its contents using the following procedure. Wearing intact rubber gloves, carefully
remove the lid from each jar and place the jars (no more than 2 to 3 jars at one time)
containing spoiled food on their side in an 8-quart or larger stockpot, pan, or boiling-
water canner. Do not remove the food from the jars, since removal could contaminate
other items. Place the lid in the pot with the jar. Carefully add water to the pot—the
water should completely cover all of the jars with at least 1 inch of water above the
jars. Do not splash water or food product outside the pot. Place a lid on the pot and
heat the water to boiling. Boil for 30 minutes to ensure that the food, jars, and lids
are detoxified. Allow the contents to cool. Drain the water and discard the food and
lids in a heavy plastic trash bag. The jars can be reused. Thoroughly wash all counters
and equipment, including can openers, clothing, and hands that may have contacted
the food or containers. To clean surfaces and utensils, use a solution of 1 part chlorine
bleach to 5 parts water. Wet surfaces with this solution and let stand for 5 minutes
before rinsing. Discard any sponges or dishcloths that you use in the cleanup. Place
them in the plastic trash bag with the detoxified food and lids, close the bag securely,
and dispose of it in a regular trash container.
If someone has tasted questionable food and becomes ill, immediately contact
your local hospital emergency room, Poison Control, or a doctor. If possible, save the
jar of the questionable food for the health officials. The classic symptoms of botulism
include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swal-
lowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. All of these are symptoms of the muscle
paralysis caused by the bacterial toxin. If untreated, these symptoms may progress to
cause paralysis of the arms, legs, and trunk, and the respiratory muscles. In foodborne
botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food,
but they may occur as soon as 6 hours or as late as 10 days after eating the food.
Approximate metric equivalents
U.S. unit Metric

1 teaspoon (tsp) 5 milliliters (ml)
1 tablespoon (tbsp) 15 milliliters (ml)
1 ounce (oz) 28 grams (g)
1 cup 250 milliliters (ml)
1 pint (pt) 500 milliliters (ml) or 0.5 liter (L)
1 quart (qt) 1 liter (L)
1 gallon (gal) 4 liters (L)
1 pound (lb) 454 grams (g) or 0.45 kilogram (kg)
1 inch (in) 2.5 centimeters (cm)
1 foot (ft) 0.3 meters (m)
Fahrenheit (°F) Celsius (°C)
°F = (°C × 1.8) + 32 °C = (°F – 32) ÷ 1.8
F R EQUEN TLY ASKED Q UESTIONS
What cause olives to soften?

The softening of olives during processing is a complex problem. Some varieties, such
as Ascolano and Barouni, just have a tendency to soften. Other common reasons for
softening include (1) using overripe olives, (2) allowing picked olives to overheat, (3)
the action of enzymes during prolonged storage of olives before processing, (4) using
a lye solution that is too strong or at too high a temperature, and especially (5) the
action of microorganisms such as molds, yeasts, and bacteria.
Some molds and bacteria that grow on the surface of storage brine produce large
amounts of pectin-degrading enzymes. Pectin acts as the cementing substance in the
cells of the olive. Olives can soften rapidly, usually within 2 weeks, in the presence
of these enzymes. To prevent this softening, check the storage brine periodically and
remove any scum that forms on the surface.
Microbial softening of olives is sporadic and may not occur in all containers at
the same time. Preventive measures include keeping containers covered, using a stor-
age brine that is at least 10 percent salt (13 ounces [11⁄4 cups] of pickling salt per gal-
lon of water), storing olives in the refrigerator, or pressure-canning the olives.
Why do blisters and gas pockets form in some olives?

Blisters may form in green olives when they are treated with too strong a lye solution.
The olive skin can lift (blister) or shed during lye curing. To prevent this problem,
test different strengths of lye with a sample of olives. Blistered olives are safe to eat.
Certain bacteria can also cause blisters to form between the skin and flesh of
olives—these blisters are called fish eyes. The bacteria can grow just under the skin of
the olive, producing gas and forming small blisters on the fruit. If these bacteria are
deeper in the olive tissue they can cause gas pockets to form within the olives. This usu-
ally occurs during the washing process that follows the lye soak, but it can be prevented
if you change the water at frequent intervals until the washing process is finished.
Why are my olives foaming during lye treatment?

Foaming sometimes occurs during lye curing of overripe olives that have reached
their maximum oil content. The excess oil reacts with the lye, causing the foam. If
foaming occurs during a lye soak, drain the olives and place them into a freshly pre-
pared lye solution.
What is food-grade plastic?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that plastics used in food
packaging (commonly referred to as food-grade plastic) be of greater purity than plas-
tics used in non-food packaging. Food-grade plastic containers may contain some
recycled plastics but they do not contain dyes or recycled plastics that are considered
harmful to humans. Plastic containers that are suitable for use in pickling are typically
made from HDPE (high density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), or polycarbonate.
In general, the white opaque plastic buckets that contain food for human consump-
tion are made of food-grade HDPE, and you can re-use them for pickling. However, a
plastic container can no longer be considered food grade if it has been used to store
non-food items like chemicals, paints, or detergent.
AD D I TI ON AL RESOURC ES
UC Food Safety at UC Davis provides information about food safety and has links to resources
on home food preservation. http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu
The National Center for Home Food Preservation provides science-based information on
home food preservation for Extension educators, other educators, and home food preservers.
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp
The University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Food Safety and
Preservation Section provides extensive publications on preserving food safety as well as other
food-related information. http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/index.php
California Rare Fruit Growers is a nonprofit educational organization that provides

information on tree crop culture, including the culture of olive trees in California.
http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/olive.html
The University of California Fruit and Nut Research and Information Center has links to
publications and Web sites for many fruit and nut crops, including olives. Primarily intended
for farmers and commercial or specialty olive or olive oil producers.
http://fruitsandnuts.ucdavis.edu/crops/olive.shtml
Olive Production Manual, 2nd Edition (UC ANR Publication 3353) by G. S. Sibbett and
L. Ferguson, University of California, 2005. This manual for commercial growers covers
production techniques, pest management, postharvest processing, and olive oil production.
Information on ordering this publication from the University of California’s Division of
Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) catalog is available online at
http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu
AC K N O W L ED G MENTS
The University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources provided
support for the development and production of this publication. Reviews by Dr. Jim
Lapsley and Bill Krueger and photography and review assistance from Dr. Louise
Ferguson are greatly appreciated. Some of the olive curing instructions were kindly
provided by M & CP Farms of Orland, California.
Figure 2 is from So Easy to Preserve (University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Bulletin 989), and is used here by permmission.
F OR M OR E IN FO RMATION
You will find related information in these titles and in other publications, slide sets,
CD-ROMs, and videos from UC ANR:
Olive Production Manual, 2nd Edition, Publication 3353
Organic Olive Production Manual, Publication 3505
Producing Olive Oil in California, Publication 21516
To order these products, visit our online catalog at http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu. You
can also place orders by mail, phone, or FAX, or request a printed catalog of publica-
tions, slide sets, CD-ROMs, and videos from
University of California
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Communication Services
6701 San Pablo Avenue, 2nd Floor
Oakland, California 94608-1239
Telephone: (800) 994-8849 or (510) 642-2431
FAX: (510) 643-5470
E-mail inquiries: danrcs@ucdavis.edu
An electronic version of this publication is available on the ANR Communication Services Web
site at http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu.
Publication 8267
This publication has been anonymously peer reviewed for technical accuracy by University of
California scientists and other qualified professionals. This review process was managed by the
ANR Associate Editor for Food and Nutrition.
©2007 by the Regents of the University of California
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
All rights reserved.
The University of California prohibits discrimination or harassment of any person on the basis
of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, and
medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), physical or mental disability, medical
condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orienta-
tion, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (covered veterans are special disabled veterans,
recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active
duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been autho-
rized) in any of its programs or activities.
University policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal
laws.
Inquiries regarding the University’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative
Action/Staff Personnel Services Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural
Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607, (510) 987-0096. For informa-
tion about obtaining this publication, call (800) 994-8849. For downloading information, call
(530) 297-4445.
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PUBLICATION 8267

Olives: Safe Methods for

UNIVERSITY OF W HAT AR E OLIVES?

S EL ECTI N G FRESH OLIVES

Naturally black ripe olives are harvested in California starting in mid-November

M ETHOD S F OR C URING O LIVES

Table 1. Suitable preservation methods for home-prepared olives

Mediterranean-style cracked olives

Greek-style black olives in brine

6. Check the containers at regular intervals. If gas pressure builds up during

DRY S ALT- CUR E D O LIVES

U SING LYE SAFELY

Disposal of lye solutions

First Aid for Lye Contact

• Take off any clothing touched by the lye.

For lye in the eye:

• Rinse the eye with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

For swallowed lye:

• Give small SIPS of water or milk immediately.

Test for lye penetration: Green ripe olives

Dark ripe style olives

LY E -CUR ED F ERMENTED OLIVES

in strong salt brines, prepare a medium-strong brine with 10 ounces (1 cup) of

M ETHOD S F OR PRESERVING C URED OLIVES

CON CEN TR ATED BRINE

Packaging and storage

CAN N I N G CUR E D OLIVES

Using the right equipment

Lids and rings

Using a pressure canner

Choose a suitable rack

Use enough water in the canner

Venting the canner

Processing using a pressure canner

Table 2. Recommended canning pressures at various elevations (altitudes)

Cooling and opening the canner

Removing and storing jars

Disposal of spoiled and questionable olives

Approximate metric equivalents

U.S. unit Metric

F R EQUEN TLY ASKED Q UESTIONS

What cause olives to soften?

Why do blisters and gas pockets form in some olives?

Why are my olives foaming during lye treatment?

What is food-grade plastic?

California Rare Fruit Growers is a nonprofit educational organization that provides

Figure 2 is from So Easy to Preserve (University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

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