As the name implies, lemon olive oil is olive oil that is infused with lemon flavoring. It can be commercially purchased or it can be made at home. Although making it at home is easy to do, there are some precautions that should be taken since harmful bacteria, such as botulism, may grow in the mixture. Lemon olive oil offers many health benefits and can be used on a wide range of food items, such as vegetables, salads, and pastas.
Although lemon olive oil can be purchased at many grocery stores, specialty markets, or Internet websites, some people may prefer to make their own batches. Generally, approximately 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of lemon peel will be added to about 1 cup (8 oz.) of olive oil in a container with a tightly sealed lid. Each day over a two or three week period, the mixture will be shaken. The intensity of the lemon flavoring in the olive oil will depend on how long the mixture is allowed to mellow and how much lemon peel is used.
There are a few tips that may be helpful to someone who wants to make lemon olive oil. For example, it is best not to use the white portion of the lemon peel, since it may make the olive oil bitter. In addition, it is recommended that the lemon be organic and free from wax. Since the peel is the portion that is used, it may be less healthful if it is covered in pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, the mixture should be stored in a cool, dark place.
Although it may be less expensive to make lemon infused olive oil than to purchase it commercially, a word of warning should be noted. The water in the lemon can grow a potentially deadly bacterium that can create an illness called botulism. To reduce the chances of botulism, the mixture should be refrigerated and used quickly, usually within about seven days. In addition, if a person is pressing her own olives to make her own olive oil, it is recommended to press the lemons at that time as well, to help reduce the water content. Some people suggest using essential oil instead of the peel of lemons to prevent any water or bacteria from forming in the mixture.
Lemon olive oil can be used in many different recipes. It is often used on a variety of vegetables, such as asparagus and broccoli. It can also be used to flavor fennel and tomatoes. In addition, it can be mixed with vinegar and used as a salad dressing on fresh salads. Many people enjoy using it on pasta, especially if the pasta is topped with shrimp that has been sauteed in lemon olive oil.
When olive oil is infused with lemon, it can be quite healthful. Olive oil, for example, is believed to reduce the likelihood of heart disease and prevent certain cancers. In addition, some people claim that it is an antioxidant and that it helps people lose weight. Lemon is often touted for its abundance of vitamin C and its antiseptic abilities.