Peruvian Botija Olives – What are They?

Desert sun, coastal breezes, and pristine soil make our new organic Botija olives, which are ethically sourced in Peru, extremely rich and flavorful. If you’ve never tried this savory superfood, you’re in for a treat.

What are Botija Olives?

Botija (“bow-tea-ha”) olives are an heirloom varietal that were first cultivated in the 16th century by Spanish colonists in South America. Today, they’re an integral part of Peruvian cuisine and culture, appearing in everything from empanadas to stews.

Most conventional olives are picked before they’re ripe and softened with chemicals like lye [1]. Not our Botija olives, which are instead picked ripe, brine-cured in sea salt and spices for three to four months, and then dehydrated at a low temperature.

What do Botija olives taste like?

Those steps not only maintain the fruit’s nutrients, but also its amazing umami flavor. Soft, meaty, and tender, each serving delivers iron, fiber, and vitamin A [2]. Enjoy with salads, cheese plates, or snack on a handful right out of the bag!

Botija Olives are Rooted in Goodness

When it came to sourcing our organic Botija olives, we decided to partner with a family farm in Peru. The 48-acre parcel was originally a barren stretch of coastal desert, with nothing but sandy soil and a few trees. After years of hard work, the family transformed it into a biodiverse oasis and the first USDA Certified Organic olive farm in Peru.

The family is passionate about soil health and sustainability, and employs innovative agricultural techniques to increase yields, all while promoting biodiversity. From creating compost with pruned clippings and manure from the farm’s animals to using their very own bees to pollinate the olive trees, the family demonstrates incredible care and stewardship from branch to bag. Elevate your charcuterie board and add our exclusive Thrive Market Botija Olives to your next Thrive Market order!

More Thrive Market Organic Olives

Wild about olives? Shop our entire line, from Kalamata olives to green olives to olive bruschetta. Trust us, they’re all worth trying.

Kalamata Olives

Our organic Kalamata olives are harvested from the Laconia and Livanata regions of Greece, where they’re grown without pesticides. Each batch is pitted and brine-cured in water, sea salt, and red wine vinegar for an extra snap of flavor. Add them to salads, pastas, or tapenades!

Green Olives

A versatile pantry ingredient, green olives have a meaty texture, herbal aroma, and buttery finish that pairs perfectly with cheese, hummus, or charcuterie. Our organic green olives hail from the Mount Athos peninsula of Greece and are grown without pesticides. Each batch is pitted and brine-cured in water, sea salt, and citric acid.

Greek Olive Mix

A delightful medley, our organic Greek olive mix consists of Kalamata and green olives that are cultivated in Greece without the use of pesticides. Each batch is brine-cured in a mixture of aromatic wild herbs, red wine vinegar, water, citric acid, sunflower oil, and sea salt. Pair them with cheese and charcuterie for a crowd-pleasing app.

Olive Bruschetta

Our organic olive bruschetta is a taste of the Mediterranean in a cup. The combination of Kalamata and Amfissa olives, along with roasted peppers, garlic, capers, herbs, and spices from Greece is savory, zesty, and rich. It contains absolutely no pesticides or additives, and has a rough-chopped texture that’s ideal for topping cheese and crackers.

Delicious Ways to Savor Organic Botija Olives from Peru

Embark on a culinary adventure with our organic Peruvian Botija olives. These olives aren’t just a delectable snack; they’re a versatile ingredient that can transform your meals. Here are some inspired Botija olive recipes to bring a splash of Peruvian flavor into your kitchen.

Classic Botija Olive Tapenade

Unleash the full potential of Botija olives in this simple yet elegant tapenade. Combine pitted Botija olives, capers, fresh garlic, quality olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and your choice of herbs like parsley or basil. Blend until smooth for a perfect toast spread or a sophisticated dip for entertaining.

Mediterranean Botija Olive Salad

A vibrant salad featuring sliced Botija olives, ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs. This refreshing salad is not just a feast for the eyes but a nourishing treat for the body.

Roasted Vegetables with a Botija Twist

Elevate your roasted vegetable medley by adding whole or sliced Botija olives towards the end of roasting. The olives’ rich flavor pairs beautifully with bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onion, creating a delicious side dish.

Botija Olive and Cherry Tomato Pasta

Turn a simple pasta dish into something special. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add cherry tomatoes and sliced Botija olives, and cook until the tomatoes soften. Toss with your favorite pasta, like penne or spaghetti, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick yet luxurious meal.

Peruvian-Style Chicken with Botija Olives

Infuse your chicken with the unique flavors of Peru. Brown chicken pieces, then add onion, garlic, spices like cumin and paprika, along with chicken broth and Botija olives. Simmer to perfection and garnish with fresh cilantro for a dish that’s rich in tradition and taste.

Botija Olive and Cheese Empanadas

Create mouth-watering empanadas using a filling of chopped Botija olives and your choice of cheese, like mozzarella or feta. Add cooked chicken or spinach for an extra twist. Bake or fry until golden for a snack that’s irresistibly crispy outside, and wonderfully gooey inside.

Smooth Botija Olive Hummus

Reinvent  classic hummus with Botija olives. Blend chickpeas, tahini, olives, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a smooth, flavorful spread. This hummus pairs perfectly with pita bread or fresh vegetables.

Quinoa Salad with Botija Olives

Combine cooked quinoa, sliced Botija olives, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Toss with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing for a refreshing salad that’s bursting with flavor.

Remember, Botija olives bring a unique saltiness and intensity to dishes, so adjust the amount of olives and additional salt in these recipes to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, these recipes will bring the distinctive taste of Botija olives and a touch of Peruvian flair to your dining table.