Herb Flavored Oils

Herb flavored oils are a great way to get your daily healthy dose of extra virgin olive oil. Spend much time on the internet at all, and you’ve likely heard about the health benefits of olive oil and the amazing impact it can have on your health.

Enjoy extra virgin olive oil daily by making herb flavored oils to use as salad dressings.

However, drinking olive oil is, according to one writer, a dreadful experience. It’s thick and gooey, with an unpleasant taste. And it’s not the quick miracle cure many on the internet would have you believe. That being said, it’s still good for you and will benefit your body in the long run. Extra virgin olive oil has powerful antioxidants that will neutralize the bad free radicals that could otherwise damage your cells. It’s a great way to cut the risk of getting a chronic disease. 

It will also reduce your bad LDL cholesterol and increase your good HDL cholesterol, meaning you will have a healthier heart. Also, olive oil contains oleocanthal, an antioxidant that works similarly to ibuprofen to ease inflammation. It can also help improve memory, protect against cognitive decline, and lower your risk of coming down with Alzheimer’s. It also doesn’t lead to weight gain like other fats can. 

But that doesn’t mean you chug gallon-fulls of the stuff every day. Honestly, one tablespoon daily will do you, and one of the best ways to enjoy olive oil is to make herb flavored oils.

Uniquely infused olive oil recipes amazon

I recently came across the book Uniquely Infused Olive Oil Recipes, which provides recipes and step-by-step instructions on how to make your own healthy infused olive oil. 

Authors Ian Overton and Kesha Rogers argue that quality ingredients are crucial, meaning you should use extra virgin olive oil because it hasn’t been heated but was pressed cold instead. That way it won’t have any impurities and will be of the best quality. Also, don’t use olive oil that is more than two years old, as the oil degrades over time.

And just like wine, different olive oils have different flavors depending on where they come from. I’ve always heard that here in the United States, it’s best to use olive oil from olives grown and pressed in Texas, because you will get better quality that way, but that’s just my opinion. 

Overton and Rogers recommend infusing oils using the Sous Vide method.

The Sous Vide Method

Sous vide cooker

Sous Vide (it’s pronounced “soo veed”) is French for “under vacuum”. The olive oil and herbs are vacuum sealed in either a glass container or a plastic bag and then placed in a water bath. Then use an immersion circulator (you can find one here) to heat the water as you stir it. That way, you are gently poaching the olive oil, herbs, and other ingredients. Stir and gently poach your oil and herbs for 3-4 hours at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celcius). 

This will extract the flavor out of the herbs and other ingredients without oxidizing or scorching them. Avoid using powdered spices and use whole leaves and seeds instead. Also, it's best if the herbs are dried first to prevent harmful spores from getting into your oils. 

After steeping your oil mixture, strain out the solids. You can do this by squeezing the oil through a nut milk bag and draining it through several layers of cheesecloth until it drips dry. 

To get the most nutrition out of these oils, use the infused oils as a finishing oil for your meals rather than as a starting oil. Good quality olive oil fights the free radicals in your body and protects your cells. It also improves your gut health.

These olive oil infusions must be kept in the refrigerator and used within six months.

Also, never leave the herbs in the oil, as pathogens from the herbs could contaminate the oil. That's especially true for garlic cloves, as you can risk the chance of your oil being contaminated with botulism.

While they look pretty, leaving herbs in your oils can cause them to spoil.

The Advantages of Herb Flavored Oils

In addition to the benefits to your health, these infused oils provide you with many delicious opportunities. Imagine drizzling a dill and garlic olive oil over your freshly baked bread, or marinating your steak strips with your own robust fajita-flavored oil. What could be better?

Herbs to Include

You can make a wide variety of these oils using extra virgin olive oil along with the following herbs:

  • basil
  • chives
  • cilantro
  • dill
  • fajita seasoning
  • Italian seasoning
  • oregano
  • oriental stir fry seasoning
  • parsley
  • Rosemary
  • thyme

All are delicious additions to your joyful kitchen. Enjoy!

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About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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