SAEDNEWS: Black olive pickle, with its distinctive taste and abundant health benefits, is one of the most popular condiments on the Iranian table. This article explains simple steps to prepare this delicious pickle at home.
According to SaedNews Culinary Service, pickles are among the most delicious and popular condiments in the food cultures of many countries. Black olives, as one of the nutritious and tasty fruits, are an indispensable part of our diet. One popular variety is black olive pickles, which, thanks to their unique flavor and numerous health benefits, are highly favored on Iranian tables. In this article, we explore how to prepare this flavorful pickle and share essential tips for making it at home.

Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
Fresh black olives | 2 kilograms |
Boiled cold water | As needed |
Sea salt | Enough for salting |
White vinegar | 1 cup (optional) |
Aromatic herbs (e.g., thyme, bay leaf) | As desired |
First, wash the black olives carefully to remove any dirt or dust. Place the olives in a large bowl. To enhance their flavor, pierce each olive several times with a fork or knife so that salt and seasonings penetrate more effectively.
Pour some boiled cold water into a large container and add sea salt. Adjust the salt quantity until the water is fully salty. Add the olives to the brine and let them sit for 2–3 days. This process allows the olives to become properly salted and develop a richer flavor.
While the olives are soaking in the brine, prepare the white vinegar and aromatic herbs. Thyme and bay leaf can be used as flavoring agents. Besides imparting a distinct taste, these herbs also provide medicinal properties.
After a few days, remove the olives from the brine and place them in a clean, dry jar. Add some white vinegar and aromatic herbs. You may also customize the flavor by adding spices such as black pepper or garlic powder.
After mixing the olives and pickling liquid thoroughly, seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Black olive pickles need about 2–3 months for the flavors to blend perfectly and be ready for consumption.

Tip | Details |
|---|---|
Olive Selection | Use fresh, high-quality olives. Old or spoiled olives negatively affect the final flavor. |
Salt Amount | Adjust sea salt according to your taste. Use less salt for a milder, sweeter pickle. |
Flavor Variations | Experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding bell pepper or turmeric can significantly change the flavor. |
Storage | Store the pickles in the refrigerator to ensure freshness and quality. |