And in many cases, you either love or hate this small-sized fruit, or you may prefer a particular variety. It may surprise you to learn that the only difference between green olives and black olives is ripeness; unripe olives are green, whereas fully ripe olives are black.

Are all olives equal?

There are no major differences between the two colors. Olives, as a whole, contain healthy fats and minerals, including copper and iron. Bonus: These guys are rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants.

What is the best type of olives?

Choose the best Good varieties to look out for include juicy Queen or smaller Manzanilla olives, both from Spain, or the Italian Cerignola. As black olives have been given longer to ripen, they have a higher oil content, which gives them a milder flavour and softer texture.