Italian Olives

[Virginia]

Can homemade Italian Olives (antipasto) be left unrefrigerated while they age? The recipe contains olives, celery, garlic and olive oil.

[Vanessa]

Virginia:
I don't know about iTalian antipasto but Aceitunas a la Sevillana used as tapas in Spain are left at room temp then refrigerated. Check the recipe below.

Aceitunas Sevillanas

These tasty olives, served as part of Spain's famous tapas appetizer platters, make a great dish to pass around at a party, or as an antipasto.
One 7-ounce jar green Spanish olives (preferably large), lightly crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1-1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/2 teapsoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
4 cloves garlic, lightly crushed and peeled
4 tablespoons vinegar
4 anchovy fillets
Place the olives in a glass jar to make sure they fit. Place the olives in a bowl. Add all the other dry ingredients, and mix thoroughly. Fill the jar with the olives, then add the vinegar and water. Shake well and marinate at room temperature for several days. They will keep for weeks in the refrigerator, but they should be brought to room temperature before serving.