Marmarabirlik Kokteyl Yeşil Zeytin is the large cocktail-size grade of whole green olives, kept in brine in a 400 g glass jar. The label puts them in the 4XL band at 141-160 olives per kilogram, which makes them noticeably plumper than everyday breakfast olives, with a firm, meaty bite and a clean, slightly tangy flavour. The jar shows a Helal mark and the cooperative's logo.
Because of their size these olives look good on a platter. Serve them with white cheese, cured meats and crusty bread as part of a meze or antipasti spread, drop one into a drink as a garnish, or add a handful to a Mediterranean pasta, a chicken tray bake or a rice pilaf just before serving. They also suit a classic Turkish breakfast with tomatoes, cucumber and fresh bread.
Store the unopened jar in a cool, dry place; the manufacturer lists a 24-month shelf life for this jar. Once opened, keep the olives submerged in their brine in the fridge, use a clean fork to lift them out, and enjoy them soon.