If you are fond of everything Italian, you must know about Castelvetrano olives. These olives are unlike any other! But have you run out of them and wondered what to add to your Italian feast? Then, have a look at these best Castelvetrano olives substitutes!
The best Castelvetrano olives substitutes used in various recipes are Picholine olives, cerignola olives, manzanilla olives, kalamata olives, Liguria olives, Gaeta olives, and capers.
Castelvetrano olives are a specialty from Sicily. Unlike most other types of olives, these olives are known for their distinct color and texture. They tend to have a meaty, yet crispy texture and are not mushy like other olives.
The reason behind this is the fact that they are hand-picked at the beginning of harvest season. So, when picked out, they still tend to be unripe, giving them all their unique characteristics.
These olives have a buttery flavor, which is also slightly sweet and salty. Moreover, Castelvetrano olives are used as they are and cultivated to make olive oil. The olives are often served as a garnish in recipes and martinis, as they are known for holding their shape well.
So, there are plenty of great things about Castelvetrano olives, making them a staple in quite a few kitchens. Although nothing is on par with these olives, a few substitutes can work fine. Let’s explore the same!
7 Best Castelvetrano Olives Substitutes
Some of the best substitutes that can be used in place of Castelvetrano olives, all based on certain factors, are given below. Moreover, you will also find information on which recipe these substitutes would work best in.
1. Picholine Olives
These olives of French origin have much in common with Castelvetrano olives. Picholine olives have a crunchy and sturdy texture similar to Castelvetrano olives, which is the best advantage.
Moreover, there is also the fact that they have a nutty and buttery flavor. The one minor difference you may notice in picholine olives is that they have a slightly tart flavor. But it won’t come in the way of most recipes.
So, as long as you find them, picholine olives are an excellent substitute for almost every recipe. To use them as a substitute, swap the castelvetrano olives in any recipe with the same quantity of picholine olives.
2. Cerignola Olives
These olives, just like castelvetrano olives, are Italian in origin. They have a meaty texture and a mild flavor that is also nutty. They are larger than castelvetrano olives, but the similarities between them are plenty.
Their flavor is distinctive without being overpowering. They can be enjoyed independently or added to various recipes to enhance their flavors. Use these olives as a substitute for Castelvetrano olives in a 1:1 ratio.
3. Manzanilla Olives
These olives are initially from Spain and are often called Spanish olives. Lately, they have gained a lot of popularity in the culinary world. For many reasons, they can make a good substitute for Castelvetrano olives.
They have a slightly chewy texture than Castelvetrano olives, but not in an overwhelming way. The chewiness is almost crunchy, and their flavor is somewhat tart and bitter, which works well in several recipes. Use these as a substitute for Castelvetrano olives in any recipe by doing a direct swap.
4. Kalamata Olives
These olives are well worldwide and of Greek origin. Kalamata olives are also widely used in the Middle East and are not popularly sold worldwide. They share a few similarities with Castelvetrano olives so they can work as a substitute for the same.
Kalamata olives, too, have a firm and crunchy texture. They also have a salty flavor but can be a little more intense than Castelvetrano olives. One noticeable difference between the two olives is their color.
Kalamata olives are dark brown, unlike the bright green Castelvetrano olives. But, if that is not too much of an issue for you, they can be used in any recipe. Use them in the same quantity as Castelvetrano olives as a substitute.
5. Liguria Olives
Another olive variety of Italian origin, these olives are very popularly available in many places. They have a mild and subtly salty flavor, which is similar to that of Castelvetrano olives.
However, their texture is slightly different, as Liguria olives are creamy rather than meaty. But, due to the similarity in flavor and color of these olives, they can work as a substitute for Castelvetrano olives in just about any recipe, all in a 1:1 ratio of substitution.
6. Gaeta Olives
These are a type of olive of Italian origin. They are also commonly referred to as the “Queen of Olives.” Gaeta olives are not the same as Castelvetrano olives, as they have a darker color and salty flavor. These factors are all because these olives are cured for longer.
But, regardless of the salty flavor and darker color, the two olives also have a few similarities. The main similarity is that they have a similar crunchy and meaty texture. For this reason, they can be used as a substitute in a standard 1:1 ratio.
7. Capers
Lastly, capers can be used as a substitute for Castelvetrano olives. Although these are not olives, capers have quite a few similarities with them. This Mediterranean ingredient has an iconic salty and limey flavor, which can work well in place of Casterlvetrano olives.
Capers can sometimes have a bitter flavor. But, when they are washed off, they tend to have a taste similar to olives. Capers are also very widely available, which again makes them a good substitute to use.
Short Recap For Castelvetrano Olives Substitutes
Here is a little recap of the best substitutes that can be used in place of Castelvetrano olives. These substitutes have been divided into a few different categories, and based on your preference, you can pick which substitute works best for you.
Best Castelvetrano Olives Substitutes As Per Flavor and Texture:
- Manzanilla Olives
- Cerignola Olives
- Picholie Olives
Best Castelvetrano Olives Substitutes As Per Availability:
- Capers
- Kalamata Olives
Castelvetrano Olives Substitutes That You Should Consider Using Last:
- Capers
- Liguria Olives
How To Use Castelvetrano Olives Substitutes
7 Best Castelvetrano Olives Substitutes That You Can Try
Ingredients
- Picholine Olives
- Cerignola Olives
- Manzanilla Olives
- Kalamata Olives
- Liguria Olives
- Gaeta Olives
- Capers
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and proceed to make the dish according to the recipe.
Conclusion
Castelvetrano olives are a specialty from Italy that have gained popularity due to their bright color. Not just that, they have a subtle salty flavor and a meaty texture, which makes them perfect for many recipes and are often widely used in Italian cuisine.
People who love using these olives may think they are irreplaceable. But, if you are in a fix, plenty of substitute options can be used instead. Based on the sort of characteristics you are looking for, you can pick the substitute that would work best for you, and I am sure you will be just as satisfied with the result!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Castelvetrano olives widely available?
Yes, now Castelvetrano olives are very popular and widely available.
Are Castelvetrano olives the same as green olives?
Castelvetrano olives are a type of green olives.
Is the flavor of Castelvetrano olives very sharp?
No, Castelvetrano olives have a mild flavor, which is also nutty and buttery at the same time.
Can Castelvetrano olives be eaten just as they are?
Yes, you can eat Castelvetrano olives just as they are, adding them to various recipes and using them as a garnish for martinis.
