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Olive Wisdom

A guide to understanding, appreciating, and enjoying olives at their very best.

Not all olives are created equal. At Oakhurst, we believe in empowering people to understand the difference between ordinary and exceptional. From flavour to texture, true quality can be seen, smelled, and tasted.

What Makes a Great Table Olive?

Step into our Tasting Room for a complete sensory journey through the flavours of Tulbagh. Sample our extra virgin olive oils, savour our naturally cured Kalamata olives, and enjoy our vegetarian tapenade, free from anchovies.

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Appearance

The first impression of an olive is in its look. A quality table olive should have an appealing, natural appearance, plump, consistent, and inviting.

2.

Aroma

A well-prepared olive has a clean, fresh aroma. Any off-notes or unpleasant fermentation smells are a sign of poor processing.

3.

Taste

Olive flavour varies widely, but great table olives achieve balance. A good Kalamata offers fruitiness with subtle acidity and salinity, never bland, never overly harsh.

4.

Texture

The flesh of a quality olive is firm yet tender, with skin that isn’t too tough and flesh that comes away easily from the pit.

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Why It Matters

Knowing what to look for helps consumers appreciate authentic olives and avoid products that compromise on flavour or quality. Just as with wine, developing an understanding of olive characteristics opens the door to a richer, more rewarding experience.

At Oakhurst, every Kalamata olive we produce is hand-harvested, naturally cured, and carefully monitored for quality, so you can enjoy olives as they should be: pure, flavourful, and full of character.

Olive Wisdom

What Makes a Great Table Olive?

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