Home cooks can transform a basic bottle of olive oil into something far more premium using a simple infusion trick shared by Greek celebrity chef Akis Petretzikis. The hack, demonstrated on Jamie Oliver's YouTube channel, takes just one minute to prepare and relies on cheap, readily available aromatics.
Why olive oil prices are rising
Olive oil is a kitchen staple, but its cost has climbed recently, largely due to the climate crisis affecting southern European countries where it is produced. With uncertainty over whether prices will fall again, many are looking for creative ways to get more from their oil.
Instead of buying expensive infused or flavoured oils from the supermarket, you can make your own at home using whatever cheap olive oil you have on hand.
The one-minute infusion method
In the video, Akis explains: "If you come across a simple bottle of olive oil without any character, I will show you an easy way to make it tasty." He adds: "Aromatic compounds are oil-soluble so it's easy to make a flavourful olive oil."
For variety, he suggests using four 250ml glass bottles, though larger batches work too. He used five sprigs of thyme, orange and lemon peels, and 10 sage leaves, dividing them among the bottles.
How to store and use infused oils
Fill each bottle with olive oil, seal it, and store in a cool, dark cupboard for two weeks to let the flavours develop. Akis recommends using the bottles within two months for the best taste.
The citrus oils are ideal for drizzling over salads for a fresh flavour, while the thyme and sage oils work well for cooking with meat and poultry.
