Italian · Jumbo Green or Black
Cerignola Olive
From Cerignola, Puglia, Italy · The largest table olive
The Cerignola is the largest table olive in the world — a jumbo Italian variety from the Puglia region (the "heel" of Italy's boot) that can be found in both green and black versions. The green Cerignola is harvested unripe; the black when fully mature. Both have a mild, slightly buttery flavor and a meaty, firm texture with an impressive flesh-to-pit ratio. Their dramatic size makes them ideal for stuffing.
Mild, slightly buttery, and gently briny. The green version is firmer and more vegetal; the black is softer and more mellow. Both have an excellent flesh-to-pit ratio — lots of meat for their size — making them one of the most satisfying olives to eat whole.
Stuffed Olives: Their jumbo size makes them ideal for stuffing with blue cheese, prosciutto, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Charcuterie Boards: A showstopper on any cheese board — their impressive size makes an immediate visual impact.
Snacking: Best enjoyed on their own, allowing their mild buttery flavor to shine without competition.
Antipasti: A classic component of Italian antipasti platters alongside prosciutto, salami, and aged cheeses.
Cerignola olives hold DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) status in Italy — only olives grown in and around the town of Cerignola in Foggia province can bear the name.
Their large size comes from the fertile soil of the Tavoliere delle Puglie plain, one of Italy's most important agricultural regions.