Why do we use pitted green olives on our pizzas instead of pitted black olives?

Because commercially sold “black olives”… are not really black

So why do we use pitted green olives, when many people think pizzas should be topped with pitted black olives?

Our choice is based on common sense, flavour… and honesty.

The pitted black olives found on the market are not naturally ripened olives. They are actually green olives that have been chemically processed to turn them black.

Real black olives ripen slowly on the tree until their flesh becomes tender and their colour changes from green to purple, then black. But these fully ripe olives are delicate, difficult to pit, and easily become misshapen or torn.

For industry, this is a nightmare: losses, inconsistencies and a product that is difficult to preserve.

So, to meet the public’s demand for olives that are black, smooth, pitted and inexpensive, producers found a solution: they take green olives, which are firmer and easier to work with, and turn them black through oxidation.

In practical terms, they are soaked in a caustic soda solution to remove bitterness, then exposed to air so that the flesh browns. An iron salt (ferrous gluconate or lactate) is then added to fix this uniform black colour.

The result: ‘black’ olives that are round, hold their shape and slice well, but whose natural flavour has disappeared.

We love real black olives… but not on pizza

A real black olive is an olive that has ripened naturally on the tree. Its flesh becomes tender, its colour darkens and its flavour deepens: a superb product that we proudly use in our antipasti, where they can be enjoyed whole, with their stones, slowly, as they deserve.

But on a pizza, it is a different story. The stone becomes a real risk: people take quick bites, share their food and do not expect it… pleasure can quickly turn into an accident.

Our choice: pitted green olives, real and honest

Rather than use an imitation, we have chosen transparency. Our pitted green olives are natural, not artificially coloured, simply prepared to keep their crunch and fresh, salty flavour. They stand up perfectly to cooking and complement the dough, sauce and mozzarella without cheating with their colour.

A short video HERE

Welcome to La Corte Segreta

Chaussée de Bruxelles 85A, Casteau (Soignies) 7061

La Corte Segreta Osteria & Pizzeria