...There are many types of green olives and not just the sliced rings found in a jar or can. The Manzanilla, Cerignola and Picholine are just a few of the kinds of green olives found in cuisines today. Green olives have a thin firm flesh, some are soft, yet still hold their shape. Every olive has woody pit that is sometimes removed, or can be spit out. The flavor of each olive varies from buttery to tart, though green olives are often milder than black olives and every olive tastes briny and salty.