Marmarabirlik Kuru Sele is a dried natural black olive. The label names it Kurutulmuş Doğal Salamura Siyah Zeytin: black olives prepared in natural brine and then dehydrated, which gives a firmer, more concentrated olive than the classic brined kind. This 3XS pack holds small olives, about 381 to 410 per kilogram, in an 800 g tub packed in a protective atmosphere. The label lists table black olives, salt, corn oil, lactic acid and calcium chloride, and warns that the olives contain stones.
Sele olives are traditionally served at breakfast with white cheese, tomatoes and fresh bread, and they are a favourite for Turkish meze. They also add a savoury accent to salads, pizza and pide, bulgur and rice dishes, or can be served on their own in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a few slices of orange or a pinch of chilli flakes. Their firmer texture makes them easy to chop into breads and savoury pastries.
Store the tub in a cool, dry place and keep it in the fridge once opened, as printed on the pack. The producer gives a shelf life of 18 months for this format. The best-before date and batch number are printed on the side of the packaging.
