Gourmet Olive Tapenade

Bitton's Olive Tapenade features premium quality olives selected for their rich, complex flavour and firm texture. The specific varieties are chosen to create the perfect balance of savoury depth and subtle bitterness that defines exceptional tapenade. Quality olives make all the difference between ordinary and extraordinary - this isn't made from cheap table olives.

Spread on crusty bread or crackers, toss through hot pasta with a splash of pasta water, dollop on grilled fish or chicken, spread on pizza bases before adding toppings, stir into mashed potatoes, use as a sandwich spread, mix into salad dressings, serve alongside roasted vegetables, or add to tomato-based pasta sauces for depth. A little goes a long way.

Yes, tapenade makes an excellent quick pasta sauce. Toss a few tablespoons through hot pasta with some pasta water to create a silky sauce. The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the tapenade. Add cherry tomatoes, rocket, or Parmesan for a complete dish. It's intensely flavoured, so start with less - you can always add more.

Traditional tapenade contains anchovies, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. However, many modern versions omit anchovies, creating a vegetarian option. Always check the ingredients list. Vegetarian tapenade typically relies on olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil for flavour depth. The umami from olives and capers partially compensates for missing anchovies.

Opened tapenade refrigerated in an airtight container lasts 1-2 weeks. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing to prevent oxidation. Use clean utensils to avoid contamination. The high oil and salt content acts as a preservative. If it develops off smells or mould, discard. Unopened jars last several months in the pantry.