Marmarabirlik Green Cracked Olives 4XL Kirma Jar 400g

Kırma means "cracked": each green olive is gently cracked before it goes into the brine, so the brine reaches the flesh more easily and the olive takes on flavour faster. Marmarabirlik's jar holds the big 4XL grade, with only 141 to 160 olives per kilogram, so every olive is large and plump. The label describes it as a processed green olive in brine ("işlem görmüş yeşil zeytin, salamura kırma") and shows a halal mark.

In Turkish homes kırma olives are a staple of the kahvaltı table, served with white cheese, tomato and warm bread. They are also the classic base for a quick marinade: tip a handful into a bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, thyme and a pinch of chilli, and leave for an hour. Chopped, they add a salty lift to pizza, salads, pasta, stuffed breads and sandwich fillings.

Keep the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sun. After opening, keep the olives covered by their brine and store the jar in the refrigerator. Use a clean spoon to take them out so the brine stays fresh.