Basil olive oil is a popular herb-flavored oil made by combining extra virgin olive oil with basil. It can be made at home using fresh or dried herbs and is used to flavor various foods. Other herbs and oils can also be used to make flavored oils.
Basil olive oil is a combination of olive oil, usually extra virgin, and basil. It is one of many available types of herb flavored olive oil. The oil can also be made at home using dried or fresh herbs. There are many variations of basil olive oil, with alternative herbs or types of oil.
Olive oil is used to flavor several types of foods, including salads, pasta, fish, poultry, and breads. Adding herbs and spices to extra virgin olive oil can greatly enhance and change the flavor of the oil. The popularity of flavored olive oils has led to the creation of specialty olive oil markets and retail lines, as well as restaurants dedicated specifically to tasting various olive oils.
There are a number of options for making basil-based olive oil at home, and all of them are relatively simple. In one method, fresh and dried basil is washed and dried and placed in a glass jar or bottle, then covered with warm olive oil. The mixture is kept in a cool, dry place for about two weeks before using to allow the flavors of the basil to mingle with the olive oil. The oil should be used up within a few weeks to ensure freshness.
Fresh basil, rather than dried, can also be used for basil olive oil. Two cups of fresh basil are combined with one cup of extra virgin olive oil. Before combining, basil should be boiled for five seconds, then immediately placed in ice water, for whitening purposes. The basil and olive oil are then blended in a blender to a runny consistency. The mixture is strained and stored in a glass container and should be used up within a week to ensure freshness and prevent food poisoning.
Some prefer to grow basil at home instead of buying it fresh or dried at a grocery store. Basil is best grown outdoors in warm weather, although it can be grown indoors with plenty of sunlight or a strong fluorescent light. Basil seeds and potting materials can be found at any home and garden store. The seed packet will typically include potting and growing instructions.
Several other herbs can be substituted for basil to make different varieties of olive oil. The same methods can be used for these herbs, including rosemary, mint, coriander or garlic. A small amount of garlic should be used to avoid a strong flavour. Sunflower or saffron oil can be used instead of extra virgin olive oil.
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