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Herb infused oil
Herb-infused oils are a great way to add flavour to cooking or to use as a dip. Follow our guide to create your own.

Helpful information

Timing: All year round

Where to do it: Indoors

Garden space: Large garden, small garden, balcony, no garden

  • Stirring and pouring oil offers light, careful, physical movement
  • Enjoy the sensory experience, smelling the herbs and other ingredients as they infuse
  • Herb-infused oil can make a lovely gift for friends and family, allowing you to connect with others
Herbs 2523119 1920
A plate of fresh herbs

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:

  • Basil
  • Rosemary
  • Tarragon
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Oregano
  • Lemon balm
  • Marjoram
Along with herbs, there are other ingredients that can be incorporated into your infused oil. Chillies, citrus zest, cloves, ginger and peppercorns are just a few examples.


Herb-infused oils can make a great gift for family and friends. Happy infusing!

Essential items

  • Olive oil
  • Saucepan
  • Herbs + any other ingredients (see above)
  • Bottle or jar with lid
  • Labels and pen

Optional items

  • Cooking thermometer

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.

Chilli oil herb
Herb-infused chilli oil in bottles

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