Pitted green olives of the Nocellara variety cultivated and aged in the Castelvetrano area of Sicily. These olives are large, fleshy and have a delicate, fruity flavor. They are ideal as a side dish, in salads, appetizers and for cocktails. These olives have been seasoned by hand in brine. Things to know: Martinis are usually garnished with three olives. The olives absorb part of the gin and vermouth, giving them a unique taste. Martini lovers generally eat an olive at their first sip, the second or last olive is ingested with the last drink.