Meyer Lemon-Infused Olive Oil
This exquisite Meyer Lemon-Infused Olive Oil captures the essence of fresh Meyer lemons, providing a vibrant and citrusy flavor to elevate your culinary creations. Ideal for drizzling over salads, enhancing the flavor of pasta, or incorporating into your favorite recipes, this infused oil is a fragrant and versatile addition to any kitchen. Enjoy it fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks for optimal freshness. While Meyer lemons offer a sweeter note, feel free to substitute with the tangier Eureka lemons to suit your taste.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 cup (none)
Meyer lemon peel
from 2 lemons (peeled)
Instructions
1
Gently wash the lemons to ensure they are free of any residue or wax on the peel.
2
Using a peeler or a sharp knife, carefully remove the peel from the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith.
3
In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil and lemon peels.
4
Place the saucepan over very low heat and allow the mixture to warm gently for 20 minutes, ensuring the oil does not come to a simmer.
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean, dry bottle.
7
Seal the bottle with a stopper or tight-fitting lid and store in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator if not used immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meyer Lemon-Infused Olive Oil?
It is a vibrant and citrusy infused oil that captures the essence of fresh Meyer lemons, perfect for elevating culinary creations.
What are the best uses for this infused oil?
This oil is ideal for drizzling over salads, enhancing the flavor of pasta dishes, or incorporating into various cooking recipes.
How long can I store Meyer Lemon-Infused Olive Oil?
You can store the oil in the refrigerator for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.
Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?
Yes, you can substitute Meyer lemons with Eureka lemons if you prefer a tangier flavor profile.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires only two main ingredients: 1 cup of olive oil and the peel from 2 Meyer lemons.
How should I prepare the lemons before peeling?
Gently wash the lemons to ensure they are completely free of any wax or residue on the peel.
What part of the lemon is used for the infusion?
Only the peel is used; you should carefully remove it while avoiding the bitter white pith.
What tools are recommended for removing the lemon peel?
You can use either a standard vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the lemon peels.
How long do I need to heat the oil and lemon peels?
The mixture should be warmed gently over very low heat for a total of 20 minutes.
Should the olive oil come to a boil?
No, it is important to ensure the oil does not even come to a simmer during the heating process.
What is the next step after heating the oil?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
How do I remove the peels from the oil?
Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
What kind of container should I use for storage?
Use a clean, dry bottle sealed with a stopper or a tight-fitting lid.
Where should the finished oil be stored?
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator if you are not using it immediately.
Is the flavor of Meyer lemons different from Eureka lemons?
Yes, Meyer lemons offer a sweeter note, whereas Eureka lemons provide a more traditional tangy citrus flavor.
Does the recipe require specific olive oil?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of olive oil, and while specific types aren't mentioned, a high-quality oil is best for infusion.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to produce approximately 1 serving of the finished oil batch.
Why must I avoid the white pith of the lemon?
The white pith is avoided because it has a very bitter taste that can ruin the flavor of the oil.
Is this infused oil consider a cooking oil or a dressing oil?
It functions as both; it is excellent as a salad dressing and as a cooking oil for flavoring various dishes.
Is the oil fragrant?
Yes, the infusion process creates a very fragrant oil that adds a pleasant aroma to your kitchen and meals.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include meyer lemon, olive oil, lemon-infused oil, homemade, and salad dressing.
Can I double the recipe?
While the recipe lists 1 cup of oil, you can easily scale the ingredients if you need a larger quantity.
Does the oil need to be refrigerated immediately?
If you don't use it immediately, it is safer to store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
How do I ensure the oil is clean after infusing?
By using a fine mesh strainer, you can ensure all sediment and lemon peels are removed for a clear oil.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple process involving only heating, resting, and straining, making it very beginner-friendly.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The primary flavor is vibrant, citrusy, and slightly sweet if using Meyer lemons.
Can I use the leftover lemon fruit for something else?
Yes, since the recipe only uses the peel, you can use the juice of the lemons for other culinary purposes.
How long is the total preparation time including resting?
The total time is approximately 50 minutes: 20 minutes of heating and 30 minutes of resting.
What is the purpose of the 30-minute rest period?
The rest period allows the lemon flavors to fully meld with the oil as it cools to room temperature.
Is this a versatile kitchen addition?
Absolutely, its citrus notes make it a versatile staple for many savory and even some sweet dishes.