Making Herb-Infused Oils
Infused oils are made by gently heating dried herbs in a neutral oil or by steeping fresh herbs in oil for a prolonged period, then straining to leave behind a fragrant, shelf-stable liquid. Success relies entirely on cleanliness and ensuring the herbs are completely dehydrated to avoid microbial growth.
Moisture is the enemy.
Any water remaining on your herbs can lead to spoilage. Ensure your bottles are sterile and your botanicals are crisp-dry before they ever touch the oil.
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Thermometer
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Cheesecloth
- Sterilized dark glass bottles
What goes in.
- 2 cupsNeutral oil, such as grapeseed or light olive oil
- 1 cupDried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves
Avoid the boil
Keep the oil between 140°F and 160°F. If you overheat, you cook the herbs and ruin the vibrant, fresh aroma you are trying to capture.
The method.
Dry the herbs
Lay your herbs out on a rack in a warm, dry spot for 24 hours. They should snap when bent, not fold.
Heat the oil
Pour the oil into the saucepan and bring to 150°F over low heat.
Steep
Add the dried herbs to the oil. Remove from heat immediately, cover, and let it sit for at least 4 hours.
Strain
Line your sieve with a layer of cheesecloth. Pour the oil through to remove the solids. Discard the spent herbs.
Bottle
Funnel the oil into clean, dark glass bottles. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark cupboard.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Use dark bottles to protect the oil from light, which causes it to turn rancid faster.
Label your bottles with the date of production; homemade oils lose their potency after three months.
Avoid using fresh garlic or un-dried chilies, as these introduce water and increase risk.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use fresh herbs straight from the garden?
Only if you dehydrate them first. Fresh herbs contain water that will cause the oil to go cloudy and spoil quickly.
How do I know if the oil has gone bad?
Trust your nose. If it smells like stale vegetable oil or has an 'off' metallic scent, discard it.
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