DIY INFUSED OLIVE OIL WITH OREGANO
Infusing your own olive oil is not as hard as you may think! You can create your own DIY infused olive oil with oregano in minutes. Using olive oil as the base, you can use any ingredient to boost its flavor. Infusion and storage instructions may differ depending on whether they are fresh or dried. Oregano, rosemary, sage, basil, ginger, garlic, red spicy pepper are among the popular choices but it really depends on personal flavor preference.
When it comes to medicinal use, arnica flowers, St. John's wort, plantain leaves, calendula flowers, myrrh gum and lemon balm are great for external application on skin for scratches, cuts, wounds, blisters, bruises, itches and insect bites. Oregano, peppermint and cayenne peppers are ideal for aching joints and tired muscles.
Rosemary and hibiscus are considered the best ingredients that promote hair growth while cleansing and moisturizing dry scalp. Green tea and comfrey are known to prevent thinning of hair and breakage.
DIY Infused Olive Oil Methods
We suggest using extra virgin olive oil for your infusions but in reality, you can use any oil as a carrier. However, it must be noted that olive oil will expand its quality, durability and shelf life.
The two primary ways of infusing olive oil are the cold method and the hot method. Cold infusion method is what has been traditionally used throughout the years. It is believed to be the most medicinally beneficial, but it is more time consuming than the hot infusion method, as it can take up to 6 weeks to prepare.
You can use any ingredient you prefer but we recommend dried oregano for its flavor and aroma, as well as, having powerful antibacterial and antioxidant benefits!
Cold Infusion Method
Ingredients
Dried (preferably) or fresh oregano
Extra virgin olive oil
A glass jar
Instructions
Start by placing your dried oregano in a mortar and pestle. Then gently tap a few times but not too much as you don’t want its oils released yet. Always use clean and dried oregano. If you use fresh oregano, have it dried at least 24 hours in advance, to avoid the oil going rancid. Fill ½ of your jar with dried oregano or ¾ of your jar with fresh oregano. Pour olive oil into the jar to fully cover your herbs. Stir periodically during the first day if you have used fresh herbs. Cover with a lid and place on a sunny and warm surface. If you have used fresh oregano, cover with a cheesecloth for 1-2 days, to let the excess water evaporate, then place on a sunny surface. Let the olive oil infuse for 4-6 weeks. Sun will aid the infusion and it might change the color of the olive oil, depending on the various herbs you’ve used.
Tip: Remember to name your DIY infused olive oil with oregano with the date of infusion. Filter the infused olive oil into a dark glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place. You can also preserve it longer by adding a drop of vitamin E.
The Hot Infusion Method
Ingredients
Dried or fresh oregano
Extra virgin olive oil
Heatproof glass jar
Cooking pot
Water
Instructions
Place the oregano in a glass jar and cover with olive oil as mentioned above with the cold infusion method. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the sides of the jar when it will be later placed in there. Let it steam but not boil as that will damage the quality of your herbs. The ideal temperature is just below 170 decrees. Place the jar in the pot. Be careful so that water does not come in contact with the contents of the jar. Let the jar sit in the pot for 1-2 days, and refill periodically with warm water if needed. Let the infused olive oil cool down and strain with a cheesecloth into a darker glass jar, before covering with a lid. Olive oils infused with the hot method, can be stored either in room temperature or in a cool and dry place.
That’s it! It doesn’t require much work to create your own DIY infused olive oil with oregano. Hope you give it a try and let us know what you think!
For more heath & beauty ideas, check out the benefits infused olive oil or 9 Reasons to Eat Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil.