Excite Your Senses with Bodega Olives
Bodega is driven by a passionate love of olives, antipasti and the rich flavours of the Mediterranean.
Having journeyed extensively to bring you authentic taste straight from the olive groves of Italy, Spain and Greece they invite you to join them in tasting their travels.
Whether you are already a connoisseur, or want to start exploring the world of olives, Bodega will guide you to the flavours that will fire your imagination and capture your senses.
Bodega believe that there is an olive for everyone.
Far from being an 'acquired taste', olives and antipasti offer something special for every palate - you just have to find what's right for you.
So we took the challenge and taste-tested a selection of their olives - and we certainly found our favourite flavour!
Mild - Nocellara Olives rolled in Lemon Infused Oil
These Sicilian Nocellara Del Belice olives, complete with stone, make a great starter for those who are either unsure of their olive taste preference or haven't yet dipped into the world of olives and want a mild flavour to start.
The olives themselves don't assail your tastebuds, while the lemon oil completely coats the fruits, giving them a fresh citrus lift.
If we could change one thing it would be to try these pitted, as the lemon oil can roll on a bit too long while you are trying to extract the stone in your mouth.
It would be interesting to see how these compared as pitted, allowing us to crunch through them and experience all the flavour without the lemon becoming the focal point.
As a stand alone olive this variety would be perfect to accompany fresh bread and a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Fruity - Nocellara and Alfonso Olives rolled in a little oil
Here we have the fabulously mild mannered Nocellara minus the lemon - and they roll around the mouth in perfect harmony with our tastebuds without any overpowering flavour to avoid while the flesh is being stripped from the stone. 
The partnering Alfonso olive readily releases it heart - and its soft flesh, full of fruity wine flavours, falls easily from the stone.
If you think all olives are the same then the Fruity selection from Bodega highlights just how different olives can be.
The balance of this double act is spot on and for us, a few chunks of feta thrown into this mix makes a great combination.
Lively - Cuquillo and Volos Olives shaken up with Garlic & a Sprinkle of Paprika
Meaty green Volos from Greece sit surrounded by tiny soft Spanish Black Cuquillos, enlivened with fragrant garlic and gently spiced with paprika. Completely pitted, simply select your olive and pop it in your mouth.
The Volos are really ones to get your teeth into, with a solid crunch and satisfying chew, full of flavour without being too dominant. Subtle hints of the garlic and paprika compliment this olive completely.
The Cuquillos may be small but they are certainly big on flavour, and here you get the bitter sweet olive snap that you will either love or hate.
Give them a chance before you decide and at least try more than one or two so that you have a complete understanding of the difference in flavours.
For us the Volos left the Cuquillo standing in this marriage and we would happily have consumed a bowl of Volos on their own.
Spicy - Halkidiki Olives double stuffed with Jalapeno & Pimento
Full-flavoured, peppery and only grown on the Halkidiki Peninsula in Greece these olives certainly pack a punch. And coupled with a filling of Jalapenos and Pimento this is a taste sensation that simply explodes on contact.
For 'full-on' effect pop them in whole, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride - long after all the olives have gone.
Are these our favourites? You bet! We can't get enough of these peppery olives and this is our ideal combination.
A permanent addition to the weekly shop is most definitely on the cards...
From the punchy Greek spice of their Halkidiki olives, double stuffed with Jalapeno and Pimento to the lemon infused, mild delights of the Sicilian Nocellara, Bodega will help you discover the flavours that matter to you.
For more information on where to buy visit www.mybodega.co.uk