Raw olives?

[lytlsprout]

Are olives raw? I know if they come in a jar they aren't. But for example if I buy them from the olive bars or the ones at the co-op. Are those raw? Or do I have to buy special raw olives?

[Veganforlife]

More then likely if from an olive bar or a co-op, no, they are not raw. Unless they are labeled raw (and even that unless it is a reputable place) is debated.
I purchased mine from:
www.naturalzing.com
or
www.gorawcafe.com

Or Alissa has dried black olives, which I personally don't care for in her store.
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[exurb]

many olives at bulk olive bars are actually raw, as they are not put into jars and heat sealed to ship in bulk, they are often shipped in a bag or plastic container without heat sealing a jar. If you go on probability, I would say the opposite to lucy, they're actually more often raw then not.

It's easier to tell if they're not raw, if you want to be sure they're raw you will have to inquire about their origin and processing.

You can also make your own (especially if you care if the vinegar, salt etc are raw). You buy fresh olives, slit or crush them and cure them in a brine. Not that hard to do, and olives are in season soon. Olives from the tree are bitter, the curing removes the bitter.