How to Make Lemon Olive Oil

Olive oil boasts so many numerous health benefits that combined with its versatility; it's understandable why it's such an important staple in the Mediterranean diet. Research has shown high success in the prevention of both heart disease and colon cancer from the consumption of olive oil. If you too are one of many that enjoy traditional olive oil and all of the benefits it provides, here's a creative twist on a popular favorite.

Things You'll Need

• Olive oil
• Lemon

Instructions

1. Put a cup of olive oil into a pot on the stove and bring it to just below a simmer.

2. Wash a lemon and use a zester or small paring knife to gently cut away small slivers of the lemon rind. Be sure not to get any of the white part as this will make your end product quite bitter.

3. Drop the lemon peels into the pot and allow it to almost simmer for 10 minutes. The more lemon peels you put in, the stronger the taste of lemon will be. A good number of inch-long strips of lemon rind would be three to four, but if you want it stronger, you may need six to seven.

4. Remove the oil from the heat and set it aside to cool.

5. Pour the cooled oil into a jar for storage.

Tips & Warnings

• Lemon juice is not an acceptable substitute for lemon peels. Shake the oil before use so that it is a clear rather than cloudy liquid. Store olive oil in a cool dark place as sunlight and air exposure will cause it to turn rancid.

References

• Olive Oil's Health Benefits
• How to Make Lemon Infused Olive Oil