Discover the queen of Spanish table olives – the plump, juicy Gordal.
Gordal olives are celebrated for their size, buttery texture, and authentic Andalusian roots.
In this guide, we explore a little bit about the olive’s history, what makes it unique, and how to enjoy both our Plain Gordal Olives and Pitted Gordal Chilli Olives at home.
A Brief History of the Gordal Olive
Origins & Name
The name Gordal comes from the Spanish word gordo, meaning ‘fat’ or ‘large’ – a perfect description for this generous, meaty olive.
Regional Roots in Andalusia
Gordal olives are predominantly grown in Seville, in the sun-drenched region of Andalusia, southern Spain. The area’s Mediterranean climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for cultivating these exceptional table olives.
They have been cultivated there for hundreds of years, since at least the 17th–18th century, when Seville became a hub for Spanish olive oil and table olive production.
The Gordal is also sometimes called Gordal Sevillana, referencing its home in the province of Seville – although it’s now grown in Córdoba, Jaén, and Alicante as well. Alicante is where we get our varieties from.
It’s known for thriving in clay-rich, limestone soils typical of Andalusia’s Guadalquivir valley – the same area that made Seville famous for citrus and olives alike.
From Tree to Table
Traditionally hand-harvested, Gordal olives are carefully brined or lye-cured before undergoing slow fermentation. This process helps retain their natural firmness and rich, savoury flavour, a true hallmark of quality Spanish olives.
A Staple in Spanish Cuisine
In tapas bars across Spain, Aceitunas Gordal often appear stuffed with almonds, garlic, or red peppers. Their firm flesh and satisfying bite make them a favourite for antipasti platters and gourmet appetisers.
The Gordal’s low oil content (2–14%) is why it was never favoured for pressing – instead, it became the standard for table olives, and they remain one of Spain’s most exported table olive varieties.
By contrast, oil olives (like Picual or Hojiblanca) often contain 20–28% oil, sometimes even higher.
What Sets Gordal Olives Apart?
1. Impressive Size & Texture
Unlike smaller varieties such as Manzanilla or Picholine, Gordals are noticeably larger with a dense, meaty texture that holds up beautifully in marinades or grilling.
2. Buttery, Mellow Flavour
Their flavour is buttery and mild, without the sharp bitterness found in some green olives – perfect for both olive enthusiasts and those new to premium table olives.
3. Culinary Versatility
Gordal olives are ideal for stuffing, marinating, grilling, serving whole, or using as a topping on pintxos. Their robustness also makes them an excellent choice for recipes that call for heat, oil, or rich pairings.
4. Long-Lasting Flavour
With thicker flesh and durable skin, Gordals retain their quality in brine or oil far better than many other olive types — maintaining their fabulous flavour over time.
Why Silver & Green’s Gordal Olives Are Exceptional
Premium Sourcing
We partner with trusted Andalusian olive growers who share our passion for sustainable farming and a commitment to excellence.
Artisan Curing Process
At Silver & Green, our meticulous curing, pitting, and brining methods minimise bitterness and accentuate the natural, buttery notes that define truly outstanding Gordal olives.
Try our Gordal Olive Selection:
- Pitted Gordal Chilli Olives — gently infused with chilli for a warm, subtle kick.
- Plain Pitted Gordal Olives — pure and classic, ideal for stuffing with garlic, almonds, or cheese.
Flavour in Every Jar
We seal our olives to lock in natural flavour and prevent off-notes, ensuring every bite tastes as fresh as the day it was packed.
How to Enjoy Gordal Olives: Serving Ideas & Recipes
1. Simple Tapas Snack
Drain, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and add a squeeze of lemon. Pair with Manchego cheese, charcuterie, and crusty bread for an effortless tapas platter.
2. Gordal Olive Pasta
Sauté garlic and chillies in olive oil, then stir in chopped Gordal olives, capers, and cherry tomatoes. Toss through spaghetti or linguine and garnish with parsley.
3. Gordal Olive Tapenade
Blend plain Gordal olives, garlic, lemon juice, anchovy (optional), and olive oil. Perfect as a dip, or spread on crostini – try mixing in a few spicy Gordals for extra flavour.
4. Stuffed Figs or Dates
Combine sweet and savoury: stuff figs or dates with goat’s cheese or blue cheese, then top with half a Gordal olive. Serve as elegant canapés.
5. The Ultimate Martini Garnish
Swap your standard olive for a Gordal to elevate martinis or gin cocktails with a gourmet touch.
Gordal Olive FAQs
How should I store opened Gordal olives?
Once opened, keep your olives covered in their original brine or drizzled with olive oil to preserve their buttery texture. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2–3 weeks.
Tip: before serving, bring them back to room temperature to release their full flavour.
Can I tone down the heat in the Spicy Gordal Olives?
Yes, if you prefer a milder bite, simply mix them with our Plain Gordal Olives or drizzle a little fresh olive oil over them to balance the spice. The result is a beautifully rounded, gentle warmth rather than heat.
Which wines pair best with Gordal olives?
Gordal olives are superb with crisp white wines, dry rosé, or a chilled glass of Fino or Manzanilla sherry. For food pairings, try Manchego cheese, anchovies, jamón ibérico, roasted peppers, or artisan sourdough – an authentic taste of Spain on your table.
Are Gordal olives good for stuffing?
Absolutely — their large size and firm flesh make them perfect for stuffing. Try fillings like garlic, almond, blue cheese, feta, or jalapeño for an authentic tapas experience. You can even grill or bake them briefly to melt the filling and intensify the flavour.
What makes Silver & Green’s Gordal olives different?
We source directly from family-run groves in Alicante, in the region of Andalusia, hand-selecting the largest and freshest harvests. Our gentle curing process preserves their natural colour, meaty texture and buttery taste – no artificial flavourings, just pure Spanish craftsmanship.
Taste the Difference with Silver & Green Gordal Olives
Whether you’re crafting a tapas board ready to host at home or upgrading your martini, our Gordal Olives bring authentic Spanish flavour to every table.
Grab your jar of Gordal Olives today and experience why food lovers call them the queen of olives.
We have a delicious range of award-winning olives. If you’ve tried our olives, please get in touch and share your feedback. We love hearing from our customers.
