Flavor Infused Olive Oils are Delicious and Easy to Make

Flavor Infused Olive Oils

The above oils are (from left to right): Garlic Oil; Lemon, Rosemary, Garlic Oil; and Lemon Oil.

Now that some of the herbs and such that you planted this spring are finally ripening, you can start making your flavor infused olive oils.  These oils are a huge market (and expensive) in the grocery store and you can’t always be sure you are getting 100% olive oil.  Some olive oil brands use a combination of olive oil and canola or vegetable oil.  But, if you make it yourself, you know exactly what went into it.  Here I will show you how easy it is to make flavor infused olive oil as well as give you some ideas of combinations to try.

First thing you will need is a bottle to put your oil into.  Check any of the dollar stores, cooking stores, etc. and you will be able to find cute decorative bottles that are perfect for this use.  I purchased the bottles shown at my local Sur la Table store for just a few dollars each.  I prefer the spring-stopper caps shown above instead of the cork closures because I don’t have to search for the cork after I use the oil.

Next you will need a quantity of 100% olive oil.  Check the label and make sure you are getting 100% and not a blend.  You can purchase this in bulk (gallon) cans at the warehouse clubs.  The only other thing you need is your herbs and flavorings.  Any fresh herb, garlic, onion, citrus zest, etc. will do just try to make sure you are purchasing organic if you aren’t using herbs you have grown and definitely use only organic lemons, limes, or grapefruit.

Just put the herbs and flavors you prefer into the bottle and pour in olive oil that has been warmed.  You don’t want the oil frying hot just warm so it will help draw the flavoring out of the herbs.  I warm mine to about 120 degrees F.  Fill your bottle and keep it open until the oil has completely cooled then close the cap.  Allow the oil to sit for a few days before using.  Then you can use it in salad dressings, drizzled on bread, potatoes, or rice, etc.  Anywhere you want the infused flavor.  I like to use the lemon and the rosemary, garlic, lemon oils when I’m making breads like focaccia.  It is wonderful.  These are also great ideas for gifts at Christmas time.  Use your imagination to make your favorite flavored olive oil.