Olive Taggiasche in Salamoia con Erbe
Liguria — Imperia province, Taggia
Liguria's defining olive — the tiny Taggiasca (named for Taggia in the Imperia province) is the only olive variety approved for Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOP olive oil and table olive production. Cured in brine with rosemary, thyme, bay, and garlic, they develop a sweet, buttery, low-bitter character unlike any other Italian olive variety. The curing process is extended (minimum 6 months) to moderate their natural tannins. Used in everything from pissaladière to rabbit stew, they define Ligurian cooking more than any other single ingredient.