The Cook’s Kitchen

Do you remember the Greek Mythology you studied in high school? Do you remember stories of Athena and Poseidon?  What about their fight to win over King Cecrops and the gods over the King’s established city? While the Ruler of the Sea brought forth water promising naval protection, the virgin goddess, Zeus’ daughter, created an olive tree. The olive tree would produce olives for all to benefit, with the fruits many uses.  The olives allowed Athena to win the contest, and King Cecrops’ city was named in Athena’s honor.  We know the city as Athens.

The arrival of King Cuisine’s olives made for a happy day.  I was speaking with my neighbor when the delivery man handed me the package.  Upon opening it, I found informational booklets about olives and King Cuisine’s products and two lovely tubs of olives, Green Greek Gourmet Olives and Black Spanish Gourmet Olives.  I looked at my neighbor and told her to get the wine ready; we were having an olive tasting that evening.

The tasting went well, and it was interesting to hear everyone’s response. First, the Green Greek Gourmet Olives, seasoned with oil and herbs, were at room temperature since we broke the tub’s seal then and there.  Regardless of temperature, the olives were surprisingly crisp with a subtle tartness and saltiness.  The olives did not make our cheeks pucker as I think many of us were expecting upon first impression.  They were almost fruity in taste and seemed to partner well with the spices.  Had it not had the herbs, I would have loved to pop them in a martini!

The Black Spanish Gourmet Olives, while equally delicious, had a significantly different taste. While faintly present, the black olives did not producing the normal, distinct bitterness that black olives sometimes generate.  In fact, they were very crisp, nutty, and almost smoky in flavor.  Marinated in oil, herbs, and mixed with large slices of garlic, the tasters all agreed the black olives would work well in a salad or even in a savory dish – maybe a light, but well seasoned fish.

I am not completely clear where I might find these tasty stone fruits in the States.  While the site indicates, “King Cuisine supplies retailers and wholesalers in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Denmark and the USA, mainly under private labels,” their customers seem to be primarily “across the pond.”  If/When I can find them, I will buy them!