La Real Confitería Olivar Tin 100g

Olivar combines fig, pistachio and dark chocolate in a filled bonbon. The fig brings its rounded fruit sweetness, while the pistachio provides a distinct nutty centre. Dark chocolate adds a firmer coating and a contrasting finish. Together they give a small sweet several textures, rather than asking one flavour to do all the work.

The producer selects figs individually and makes these bonbons by hand. Its current recipe description puts pistachio inside the fig confection, then coats the pieces in chocolate. Choose Olivar if you enjoy fruit with your chocolate but want a nut-led filling instead of the praline in Flamenca. It makes a useful finishing touch to a meal: put out a few pieces, pour coffee and let everyone take their time. In a larger sweets selection, the fig and pistachio give it a recognisable place of its own. This 100g tin is also an easy introduction to the range for a friend who gravitates towards pistachio whenever it appears on a dessert menu.

• An unhurried tea break: Pair a small serving with Dammann Frères Earl Grey Yin Zhen. The tea’s bergamot gives the chocolate a fragrant citrus counterpoint. Brew the tea first, then put the sweets out just before sitting down so the moment stays simple and relaxed.
• A mixed sweets plate: Add La Sablésienne Pure Butter Sablés for a buttery biscuit alongside the chocolate. Keep each item separate on the plate so guests can enjoy the different textures in turn. The biscuits and tea are sold separately.
• The easy dinner finish: Offer a few pieces with small cups of coffee after the main course. There is no need for extra sauce or decoration; let the confection provide the flavour and keep the portions modest.

Olivar takes its inspiration from Spanish olive groves, vineyards and the celebrations around the harvest. That is the theme of this part of La Real’s Tribute Collection; the flavour of the confection itself comes from fig, pistachio and dark chocolate.

The maker is based in Badajoz, in Extremadura, and describes using figs from the region in its confectionery. Selecting them individually and building a bonbon around them gives an everyday fruit a different role at the end of a meal. Olivar is a thoughtful choice for someone who likes discovering regional sweets, especially when served beside a plain truffle so the fruit and nut combination has a chance to stand out.

Follow the storage instructions and best-before date printed on the pack. Keep the chocolates away from heat and direct sunlight, and close the inner packaging after opening.