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- Feb 19, 2013
- Updated: 10:29am
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The Taste Test: Olives
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Beijing socialites are signing up to the country's first school of etiquette, writes Simon Parry, and its Hong Kong-born founder is on a mission to reawaken traditions of courtesy.
Olives Et Al Moorish Olives
HK$69.90 for 260 grams, Jason's
Kalamata olives, named after the Greek city where they are grown, are given a Moroccan touch with the addition of cumin, coriander and cardamom. The extra virgin olive oil is perfect for roasting vegetables.
Verdict: smooth and meaty with a rich and deep flavour. Spices help to counter the slight bitterness.
Lindsay Spanish Manzanilla Olives
HK$37 for 198 grams, Jason's
A familiar guest in a Martini, this is stuffed with pimiento, a larger and sweeter variety of the red bell pepper. Soaked in brine, with just five calories per piece, they make a low-guilt snack.
Verdict: bitter and tart - where's that Martini?
Lombardi Olive Giganti Condite
HK$70 for 290 grams, City'super
These huge green and black olives are from Tuscany, where the fruit has symbolised peace and a pleasant lunch for hundreds of years. They're soaked in extra virgin olive oil, along with parsley, oregano and chilli peppers.
Verdict: need more bite. They're so soft they disintegrate in the mouth.
