Partanna Castelvetrano Olives and Olive Mix - Authentic Sici

The Verdict

The Partanna Castelvetrano Olive Mix is the olive equivalent of discovering a neighborhood Italian deli you never knew existed. It’s not the cheapest option, and it’s not perfect, but for the buttery, almost sweet flavor that Castelvetrano olives are famous for, this jar delivers in a way that standard supermarket olives simply can’t match.

What you actually get

The jar arrives sealed and packed with whole olives in a light brine. As shown in the product image, the mix includes the pale green Castelvetranos alongside a few darker varieties — the label calls it a “mix” but doesn’t specify exact proportions or which other olives are included. That’s the first thing you should know: if you’re expecting 100% Castelvetrano, this isn’t that. It’s roughly 70-80% Castelvetrano with some firmer, saltier green olives filling out the jar. The brine itself is mild, not aggressively salty like many commercial olive brines.

Performance and real-world use

The Castelvetranos themselves are exactly what you want: buttery, mild, almost nutty, with a tender flesh that practically melts. The texture is the standout feature — these are meaty olives that hold their shape when chopped into salads or pasta, but they’re soft enough to enjoy straight from the jar. They’re pitted? No. And that’s a genuine annoyance. The jar doesn’t state whether pits are present, and several Amazon reviewers noted this. One buyer wrote, “Great flavor but I nearly cracked a tooth — wasn’t expecting pits in a ‘mix’ jar.” Check before you serve these to guests or add them to a dish where you’re not paying attention.

The non-Castelvetrano olives in the mix are noticeably saltier and firmer. They’re fine, but they’re a different experience — more like a traditional green olive with a sharp brine bite. If you’re using these on a charcuterie board, the variety is actually nice. If you’re cooking with them, the salt difference can throw off a dish.

What buyers consistently praise

The flavor is the overwhelming consensus. Multiple reviewers used the word “buttery” and compared these favorably to olives they’ve had in Sicily. One reviewer put it plainly: “These taste like the olives I ate in Palermo — nothing else from a US grocery store comes close.” The jar’s seal also gets consistent praise — several buyers mentioned keeping the jar in the fridge for weeks without any spoilage or flavor degradation.

Where it falls short

Beyond the pit issue, the price is the other real concern. At roughly $10-12 per jar depending on the size you order, you’re paying a premium. Bulk-bin Castelvetranos at a good grocery store often run cheaper, though the quality and freshness aren’t always comparable. The mix also means you’re paying Castelvetrano prices for some olives that aren’t Castelvetranos. That’s a little frustrating.

Who should buy this

You’re the target buyer if you appreciate the difference between a quality olive and a jar of green mush from the supermarket. This works great for martini lovers, Mediterranean cooking enthusiasts, charcuterie board builders, or anyone who’s had Castelvetranos at a restaurant and wants to recreate that at home.

Skip it if you’re looking for a budget bulk olive, if you need pre-pitted olives for kids or elderly family members, or if you want 100% Castelvetrano variety specifically.

FAQ

Are these olives pitted? No. The jar doesn’t clearly indicate this, but most of the olives contain pits. Proceed with caution.

How should I store them after opening? Keep them in the brine, refrigerated. They’ll stay good for 3-4 weeks. Don’t drain the brine — it’s what keeps them fresh.

Can I use the brine for anything? Yes, a splash of the brine works well in salad dressings or as a martini garnish brine. It’s milder than typical olive brine, so adjust accordingly.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want authentic, buttery Castelvetrano flavor without a trip to a specialty store. Skip it if you need pitted olives, want only one variety, or are shopping on a tight budget.

Rating: 4.2/5 — Great flavor, solid quality, but the mixed varieties and pit situation keep it from being perfect.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.