Lemon-infused olive oil is a highly recommended addition to your diet, offering a delicious and healthful boost to your meals. This delightful combination of olive oil’s antioxidant powers and the vitamin C from lemons creates a great natural remedy with numerous benefits for your well-being. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a salad dressing or drizzled over a piece of bread. You can also use it to marinate meats, or add a delightful touch to fish and pasta dishes. Trust us, you’ll absolutely love it!
Lemon olive oil recipe
Ingredients (12 servings):
- 1 cup Italica Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large lemon
- Kosher salt, to taste
Directions:
- Wash the lemon thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Zest the lemon to obtain small, fine bits of the outer peel (avoiding the bitter white pith).
- After zesting the lemon, cut it in half and squeeze it to obtain ½ cup of lemon juice.
- In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice and zest with the Italica Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add kosher salt to taste.
- Begin cooking the mixture over high heat, but avoid boiling it. As soon as you see small bubbles forming in the lemon-infused olive oil, turn off the stove. Allow the mixture to stand for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally while the stove is still hot.
- After that time, remove the saucepan from the stove and let it sit at room temperature for one hour.
- Use a strainer to separate the lemon zest from the oil. Transfer the infused oil into a bottle or a glass jar for better preservation.
*Chef’s Tip*
While olive oil is usually stored at room temperature, the lemon-infused olive oil is best kept in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness for 4 to 5 weeks. If the oil solidifies, simply dip the container in warm water and stir until you have a homogeneous mixture again.
What are the benefits of lemon-infused olive oil?
Beyond its exquisite flavor, lemon-infused olive oil offers a range of health benefits backed by several studies:
- Rich in antioxidants: This infusion is packed with antioxidants, which play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals and protecting your cells from damage.
- Promotes heart and brain health: The combination of olive oil and lemon’s vitamin C may help prevent various diseases related to the heart and brain, promoting overall cardiovascular and cognitive well-being.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Lemon-infused olive oil contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing inflammation in the body and supporting a healthy immune system.
- Aids digestion: This infusion may help with constipation and support a healthy digestive system, making it a beneficial addition to your daily diet.
Unleash Your Creativity with Olive Oil
Thanks to the versatility of olive oil, you can experiment with various ingredients to create tasty dressings and infusions. Similar to the rosemary infused olive oil we shared in the past, this lemon-infused recipe is a simple and healthy option for the whole family, guaranteeing a delicious success!
Incorporate lemon-infused olive oil into your culinary routine and savor both its delightful taste and its numerous health benefits. Enjoy the goodness it brings to your meals and revel in the knowledge that you’re nourishing your body with a natural and flavorful elixir!
