Named after the city of Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese, Greece, the Kalamata olives are almond-shaped, plump, dark purple fruits that can enhance recipes, as well as serve up a host of nutty-flavored nutritional benefits. There's no denying that Olives are a good nutrient source, and Kalamata olives are no exception. For one, they are abundant in the same healthy fat found in olive oil. These monounsaturated fats may actually reduce your cholesterol level and your chance of heart attack and stroke.