Zesty Lemon Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this Zesty Lemon Infused Olive Oil recipe. This luxurious and aromatic oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, enhancing marinades, or dipping your favorite bread. The bright essence of fresh lemon zest combines beautifully with high-quality olive oil, creating a harmonious balance that will invigorate your dishes. With just a couple of ingredients and some patience, you can craft a delightful condiment that adds a refreshing twist to any meal. Share this delicious homemade oil with friends and family or keep it on hand to brighten up your cooking all year round!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grapeseed oil or other vegetable oil
1 cup (Choose a neutral oil for best flavor.)
Lemon zest
2-3 tablespoons (Finely grated from fresh lemons.)
Instructions
1
In a clean glass jar, combine the grapeseed oil and finely grated lemon zest.
2
Seal the jar tightly and let the mixture sit at room temperature for a minimum of 2 weeks, shaking it gently every few days to fully infuse the flavors.
3
After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the zest, pressing down to extract as much oil as possible.
4
Transfer the strained oil into a new, clean jar. Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
5
Enjoy your Zesty Lemon Infused Olive Oil in a variety of dishes, as a dressing, or as a flavorful dip!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Infused Olive Oil?
It is a flavorful condiment made by infusing a neutral oil like grapeseed oil with fresh lemon zest over a period of time.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You only need 1 cup of grapeseed or vegetable oil and 2-3 tablespoons of finely grated lemon zest.
Can I use olive oil instead of grapeseed oil?
Yes, while the recipe suggests grapeseed oil for its neutral flavor, you can use a high-quality olive oil for a different taste profile.
How long does the infusion process take?
The mixture should sit at room temperature for a minimum of 2 weeks to fully develop the lemon flavor.
How should I prepare the lemon zest?
The lemon zest should be finely grated from fresh lemons, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith.
Do I need to shake the jar during the infusion?
Yes, you should shake the jar gently every few days to help distribute the lemon zest and enhance the flavor extraction.
How do I remove the lemon zest after infusion?
Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing down to extract as much infused oil as possible.
Where should I store the finished lemon oil?
Store the strained oil in a clean, tightly sealed jar inside the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
What are some ways to use Zesty Lemon Infused Olive Oil?
It is perfect for drizzling over salads, enhancing marinades, or as a flavorful dip for fresh bread.
Is there any cooking or heat involved in this recipe?
No, this is a cold infusion process that relies on time rather than heat to extract the citrus flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of oil, which counts as 1 batch or serving for general use.
Can I use this oil as a gift?
Yes, homemade infused oils make excellent gifts for friends and family who enjoy cooking.
What type of oil is best for a neutral flavor?
Grapeseed oil or other neutral vegetable oils are recommended to let the bright essence of the lemon shine.
Why must the jar be clean?
Using a clean glass jar is essential to prevent contamination and ensure the oil remains safe for consumption.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe consists entirely of plant-based ingredients.
Can I use other citrus fruits besides lemon?
While this recipe specifies lemon, the same method can be applied to orange or lime zest for different flavor variations.
Should I use organic lemons?
Organic lemons are often preferred for zesting to ensure the peel is free from pesticides and wax.
What happens if I leave the zest in the oil?
It is recommended to strain the zest to prevent the oil from becoming bitter or spoiling faster.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients to make a larger quantity as long as you have a large enough jar.
What is the calorie count for this oil?
Standard oils typically contain about 120 calories per tablespoon, though the specific count for this infusion is not listed.
Does this oil contain sodium or sugar?
No, this simple infusion of oil and zest does not contain added sodium or sugar.
Can I use it for sautéing?
Yes, it can be used for low to medium heat sautéing to add a hint of lemon to your dishes.
Is the oil gluten-free?
Yes, lemon infused oil is naturally gluten-free.
Why does the oil need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration helps preserve the quality of the fresh citrus essence and prevents the oil from going rancid.
What should I do if the oil solidifies in the fridge?
It is normal for some oils to become cloudy or semi-solid when cold; simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use.
Can I use dried lemon peel instead?
Fresh zest is recommended for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor.
How much zest do I need per cup of oil?
You need 2 to 3 tablespoons of zest for every 1 cup of oil.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include lemon oil, infused oil, homemade, dressing, and marinade.
Is this oil spicy?
No, this oil is zesty and bright rather than spicy.
Does this recipe require special equipment?
No special equipment is needed besides a clean glass jar, a grater or microplane, and a strainer.