Salt reduced anything is a good idea (even better is salt-free!) so I was pleased to find this new product in the Always Fresh range recently: salt reduced pitted Kalamata olives. They are stocked by Woolworths which is convenient.
I was pleasantly surprised by the taste which is much milder and softer than the regular type in this range. In fact, I would urge those who aren’t great olive fans to try these as they are very different and you might just find yourself converted into an olive eater. These olives would also be great to introduce to children, though many kids do like the stronger tasting ones.
According to the jar, they contain 45% less sodium.
The ingredients are listed as kalamata olives, water, olive oil, salt, sugar, food acid (260). colour (150d) and mysteriously “flavour”.
Perhaps consult a reputable guideline regarding the meaning of those numbers but according to my superficial Google search 260 is “acetic acid” and 150d is “Caramel IV – ammonia sulphite process”. Neither of these have been flagged red for danger on the fedup.com.au Complete List of Additives but that I cannot confirm personally.
For olives which are to the best of my knowledge additive-free and organic, try Eagle Vale Olives from Geraldton, Western Australia. I need to take a bit of time to find my closest stockist in Perth from their list on their website eaglevaleolives.com.au. These are a great alternative to supermarket olives as they are excellent quality, very well priced, taste good and there is a wide range of products from whole olives to tapenades to body products.
Australian Shopper 