Olive paste is a smooth paste which is made from ground olives. There are a wide range of uses for olive paste, and it is a frequent feature in Mediterranean kitchens as a result. Many delis and markets carry olive paste, and it is also possible to make it at home. By making your own olive paste, you can control the ingredients to create a specific desired flavor, and you can also ensure that it is as fresh as possible; it can get acrid and bitter if allowed to sit too long.

To make olive paste, the olives of choice are pitted and then ground up. Any number of olive types can be used, although brined varieties tend to be favored. A small amount of olive oil is usually added to lubricate the paste as it is ground, and to strengthen the olive flavor. The olive paste can also be blended with herbs, and many people add garlic for a spicy flavor; garlic also happens to be a good preservative. You may also find olive paste with other brined or pickled ingredients, which can transform it into a hot or sweet dish, depending on the elements used.

Many regions have their own version of olive paste, like olivada and tapenade. Olive paste is often taken on picnics and used as a spread, pairing well with a number of breads. It can also be laid out on a buffet, paired with crackers, breads, or even vegetables and used as a dip. Olive paste may also be used as a flavoring in stocks and sauces, injecting a rich olive taste into the dish, and it may be used as a garnish on some foods as well.

As a general rule, olive paste is best when it has been allowed to mellow and marinate for around 24 hours. This allows the flavors to mingle, creating a smoothly blended flavor. If it sits too long, however, olive paste can start to get bitter or acidic, developing strange and unpleasant flavors. Canned olive pastes are usually pasteurized and stabilized to prevent this.

If you want to buy olive paste, you may want to try and get it from a deli, as the staff will allow you to sample it first. Olive pastes can come in quite an array of flavors, so it's a good idea to know what you are getting into, as you don't want to be unpleasantly surprised by the flavors. If you can't taste it first, read the package, and try to use the ingredients to gauge whether it will be sweet, spicy, or strongly herbal. You can pair olive paste with a wide array of cheeses.