Fresh Herb Rosemary Infused Olive Oil

Rosemary olive oil is one of the simplest ways to elevate your meals beyond what you’ve ever tasted. Made by infusing fresh rosemary herbs in extra virgin olive oil, rosemary-infused oil is an easy recipe.

Rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy flavor that enhances everything from roasted vegetables to grilled meats, pasta, and salads. You can also drizzle the oil over warm bread or use it as a dipping oil.

The inspiration came from my time in Mediterranean Greece, where I spent a few weeks and was amazed by the incredibly flavorful dishes they created at a fraction of the cost. The secret? Using fresh, healthy ingredients and simple techniques to enhance their natural flavors. One of my favorite takeaways was rosemary-infused olive oil.

Luckily, rosemary infused olive oil isn’t something you need to buy at a fancy shop. It’s actually something you can easily make at home.

What is Rosemary Infused Olive Oil

Rosemary olive oil is a flavorful and aromatic condiment made by infusing fresh rosemary in high-quality olive oil. This simple process creates a versatile oil you can drizzle over bread or pasta and use as a salad dressing or marinade.

Moreover, rosemary-infused olive oil makes a thoughtful holiday gift that any food lover will appreciate when poured into decorative bottles.

Ingredients to make rosemary oil

To make this homemade rosemary oil recipe, you only need two ingredients: dried rosemary or fresh rosemary sprigs and olive oil.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a hardy evergreen plant that is widely available and easy to grow. Brewing rosemary leaves into tea or making rosemary salt are the simplest ways to enjoy its taste, aroma, and health benefits.

However, rosemary herb infused olive oil is an excellent way to capture its essence for longer use and various applications, including skin care. 

With its needle-like leaves and distinctive spicy aroma, rosemary has a strong, woody, and slightly bitter flavor, often described as piney or resinous. If you are not sure, check this guide to distinguish between rosemary and lavender.

Olive Oil

To create a high-quality infused oil, it’s important to balance the oil and herb flavors. Extra virgin olive oil is best because of its high quality and rich antioxidants, which enhance the benefits of rosemary. If the flavor is too strong, try a milder extra virgin olive oil.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You don’t need much equipment to prepare these oils.

• Small Strainer or Cheese Cloth
• Measuring Cup
• Nesting Mixing Bowls
• Gift Bottles
• Small Funnel
• Thermometer

How to make Rosemary Infused Oil

There are two methods for infusing rosemary olive oil at home. I prefer the double boiler method, which uses heat to quickly extract the flavors.

However, you can also use the solar method, which uses the sun and time to extract the flavors I described below. 

First step – Prepare the Rosemary

For a stronger scent and flavor, you can use fresh rosemary. Be sure to clean it and let it dry for a short time. However, fresh herb-infused oil will only last about 4 weeks due to the moisture in the herbs. Make a small batch to use up quickly.

If you want the oil to last longer, use dried rosemary leaves for the infusion. Dry herbs prevent moisture, which helps the oil stay fresh for a longer period. This method allows your infused oil to last several months without spoiling.

Avoid using any herbs that show signs of mold, as they can cause the oil to go rancid.

Second step – Infuse the Oil with Rosemary

To heat the mixture, use a double boiler or a homemade version. Place the rosemary in a metal bowl and pour the olive oil over it, making sure the rosemary branches are fully submerged in oil. Set the bowl in simmering water. Heat the oil and use a thermometer to keep the temperature below 50°C (122°F). Simmer the oil and rosemary mixture on low heat for 5-6 hours to release the flavors and benefits.

Third step – Strain the herbal material

Once done, remove the oil from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Strain the oil using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, pour it into a bottle using a funnel, and seal the jar.

Traditional Solar method of infusing olive oil with rosemary

You can use the solar method to infuse olive oil with rosemary. Start by using a sterilized jar and placing the dried rosemary inside. Pour the oil over the rosemary, ensuring that it is fully submerged. Close the jar with a lid and add the oil on a sunny windowsill. Let it sit for several weeks to infuse the flavors and medicinal benefits. After the infusion period, strain out the rosemary, and your oil is ready to use. This method is simple and takes advantage of the sun to enhance the oil’s flavor and benefits.

How to use rosemary extra virgin olive oil

Rosemary-infused extra virgin olive oil can be used in various ways to enhance your dishes.

1. Drizzle it over salads as a flavorful salad dressing.
2. Use it to marinate meats, fish, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
3. Serve this herb-infused olive oil as a dipping oil with bread or use it to accompany antipasti.
4. Add it to recipes for sautéing or roasting to infuse your dishes like roasted root vegetable or roasted potatoes.
5. Drizzle over finished dishes like pasta, soups, or roasted vegetables for rosemary flavor.
6. Rosemary is a stimulating herb that support hair and beard grow thus using rosemary beard balm or beard butter.
7. The rosemary adds a pleasant aroma and may offer soothing and rejuvenating benefits for the skin, you can use the rosemary oil to make salve or body butter.

How Long Does it Last in case I want to give as a holiday gift

Flavored olive oils don’t stay as fresh as processed oils and should be used relatively quickly after opening. For the best flavor and aroma, use the infused oil within two months. If you strain out the herbs and refrigerate the oil, it can last up to a year. Since many gift recipients may not use the oil immediately, it’s a good idea to include an “expiration date” on the label. Properly stored, the oil remains fresh for an extended period.

How to store this Infused rosemary oil?

Store your homemade infused olive oils in airtight bottles or glass jars with a tight seal. Keep them in a cool, dark place to minimize exposure to light. For extended shelf life, you can refrigerate the oil, where it can last up to one year. I recommend storing the oils in smaller batches to ensure they are used up before developing any off-flavors.

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