what is the difference between black and green olives?

Answer 1

There are over 800 different varieties of olive so not necessarily. Basically, olives start off green and as they mature the colour changes through shades of pink, and gradually darkening to black.

Answer 2

There are lots of different strains of olive. Some are grown to mature to black, while others are better picked earlier and used while they are green. A bit like some sweet peppers really.
The flavour is markedly different between them but the way they are prepared will also change the flavour. Greeks, Italians and Spaniards all seem to prepare their olives in different ways and come up with different flavours for their olives. Most people that like olives will have preferences as to which they would select to eat. I have always liked Italian pre-pitted black olives and didn't like the green ones. I have since tried some green olives stuffed with lemon - and they were really fantastic.
Just keep trying different varieties and see which ones you prefer.

Answer 3

Mostly the color. If I put a blindfold on and you asked me to discern between most black and green olives (aside from the typical B & W canned version), I couldn't. Then again, I'm no olive expert. I actually like the ones in the can.

Answer 4

There is a huge difference in black and green olives, black ones tend to be more bitter in the main. Green ones can be from sweet to downright bitter too. It all depends where they originate and how they are cultivated and preserved. I have lived in Spain 15 years and hated them at first, but now enjoy them if they are not too bitter. Try a few different kinds to get the flavour you prefer. They can also vary hugely by brand so don't be put off first time round. Try a different brand name.

Answer 5

Green olive's are younger than the black one's, yassass.

Answer 6

Olives are amazing to me, especially since I moved to Vancouver, BC. The grocery stores I go to all have olive kiosks, where there are a large variety of different colours and flavours of Olives, offered open like in a deli, and you serve up what you want into plastic containers with lids. I have yet to discover all I want to about olives, as this has intrigued me.

Start here at Wikipedia to learn all the differences and such.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive

Answer 7

Colour & Taste. Think of the difference between black and green grapes.

Answer 8

There is a definite difference in taste. I much prefer the black ones to green ones. I think you find more green ones with interesting fillings like garlic slithers or red pepper etc.

Answer 9

ones black and the other ones green

Answer 10

Black ones are black and green ones are green.