Helpful information
Timing: All year round
Where to do it: Indoors
Garden space: Large garden, small garden, balcony, no garden
Timing: All year round
Where to do it: Indoors
Garden space: Large garden, small garden, balcony, no garden
Creating herb-infused oils is something fun you can experiment with. If you are growing your own herbs, it's a great way to make use of them.
You could try out different combinations to see which you like the most. Here are some good herbs to try:
Herb-infused oils can make a great gift for family and friends. Happy infusing!
Essential items
Optional items
Follow these steps to create herb-infused oil with ease. Here, we are using thyme, rosemary, garlic and peppercorns. You may like to choose different herbs and other ingredients (see above).
Step 1: Pour olive oil into a pan
If possible, use a high-quality, light variety of olive oil. Pour the whole bottle into a saucepan. You want the pan to be at least twice as deep as the oil depth when it is fully poured in.
Step 2: Add your ingredients
Add a small bunch of fresh thyme and some small sprigs of rosemary. Make sure they have been washed and dried thoroughly. This is important as herbs may have come into contact with soil.
Add two cloves of garlic and some peppercorns.
Step 3: Heat the oil
Heat the oil plus herbs and ingredients to 120ÂșC. If you have one, use a cooking thermometer to be accurate.
Keep the mixture at this temperature for 10 minutes. You don't want the garlic to burn or the herbs to go crispy in the oil.
Step 4: Leave to cool
Take the pan off the heat. Leave it until the oil mixture has completely cooled.
Step 5: Pour into bottles or jars
Carefully pour the cooled mixture into a suitable container. The original olive oil bottle is fine, or you could use clean jars with airtight lids.
Step 6: Label and store
Add a label to any bottles or jars. Include what's inside and the date on the label.
You can use your herb-infused oil immediately. Or, you can store it in a cool cupboard for up to 30 days or in the fridge for up to 90 days.