Lift Your Cooking with Flavor Infusions

Flavor infused olive oil is extra virgin olive oil that has been infused with herbs, spices, fruits, or other ingredients to create distinctive and improved flavors. These specialty oils have grown tremendously in popularity over the past 15 years, becoming a staple in gourmet kitchens.

"Infused olive oils aren't just a trend – they're a kitchen revelation." 

What is flavor infused olive oil?

There are two main types of flavored oils:

1. Infused oils: Made by steeping herbs, spices, or other ingredients in already-pressed olive oil
2. Fused oils (Agrumato): Created by crushing olives simultaneously with fresh fruits, herbs, or spices

The most popular flavors include garlic, lemon, basil, blood orange, and Tuscan herb blends. These oils serve as a cook's secret weapon, adding instant depth to dishes without extra preparation.

When stored properly in a cool, dark place, flavor infused olive oils will maintain their freshness for 9-12 months. Home-infused varieties should be refrigerated and used within 1-3 weeks, depending on the infusion method.

These versatile oils can transform everyday cooking - drizzle them over finished dishes, use them in dressings and marinades, or for bread dipping. They offer a convenient way to add complex flavors without chopping or extra ingredients.

Flavor Infused Olive Oil Basics

What is flavor infused olive oil?

Flavor infused olive oil starts with something special – a beautiful, high-quality extra virgin olive oil base. Think of it as the perfect canvas for culinary creativity. At The Olive Tap, we take this premium foundation and improve it with natural ingredients like fresh herbs, aromatic spices, vibrant fruits, or garden vegetables to create oils with personality and character.

Unlike mass-produced flavored oils that might rely on artificial additives or flavorings, true flavor infused olive oils celebrate natural ingredients. Each bottle captures authentic flavors that complement the rich, fruity notes already present in good olive oil.

"The best olive oil is the freshest olive oil." 

This simple truth guides everything we do at The Olive Tap. Our small-batch approach ensures your flavor infused olive oils maintain their vibrant flavors and health-promoting polyphenols. We start with Ultra Premium Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil – the highest quality you can find – so every drizzle delivers both exceptional taste and wellness benefits.

The most beloved flavors among our customers include bright, citrusy lemon; rich, aromatic garlic; herbaceous basil; sweet-tart blood orange; and our complex Tuscan herb blend that transports you straight to the Italian countryside.

Infused vs fused: spot the difference

When browsing our collection, you'll notice two distinct styles of flavored oils – each with its own special qualities:

Infused Olive Oil:

• Created by adding flavoring ingredients after the olives have been pressed
• Imagine fresh garlic, herbs, or chili peppers steeping in beautiful olive oil – like making tea, but with oil
• Gives our artisans precise control over each flavor profile
• Results in a delicate, balanced taste that complements rather than overwhelms
• Available year-round, regardless of olive harvest timing

Fused Olive Oil (Agrumato):

• Made by crushing flavor ingredients together with the olives during pressing
• Follows centuries-old traditions from Mediterranean olive-growing regions
• Creates a remarkably integrated flavor – the oil doesn't just carry the flavor, it becomes one with it
• Available only during harvest season (typically November-January)
• Often considered the gold standard due to its production limitations and  authentic flavor

The agrumato process is truly special – imagine fresh lemons or herbs being crushed alongside just-harvested olives, their essential oils mingling at the most fundamental level. This ancient technique creates oils with remarkable depth and authenticity that simply can't be replicated any other way.

At The Olive Tap, we're proud to offer both styles, allowing you to choose the perfect flavor intensity for your kitchen trips. Whether you're drizzling over finished dishes, creating vibrant salad dressings, or looking for that perfect bread-dipping oil, we have something that will lift your everyday cooking.

Curious to learn more about the fascinating world of olive oil infusion? You can LEARN MORE ABOUT Infusing Olive Oil through our educational resources.

How to Make Flavor Infused Olive Oil (Home & Commercial)

Creating your own flavor infused olive oil at home isn't just fun – it's a delicious way to personalize your cooking! Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, you can craft custom flavors that'll make your dishes sing. Let's explore how to make these liquid gold treasures in your own kitchen.

DIY method: cold infusion step-by-step

Cold infusion is perfect for capturing those bright, delicate flavors that might wilt under heat. Think fresh basil, fragrant mint, or zesty citrus peels.

The process is beautifully simple. Start with a cup of quality extra virgin olive oil – the better your base, the better your final product. Add about half a cup of fresh herbs or 2 tablespoons of dried herbs or spices. For fresh ingredients, give everything a whirl in your food processor until you have a vibrant purée. With dried ingredients, simply combine them with your oil in a clean jar.

Pour this mixture into a sterilized glass container, seal it tight, and tuck it away in your refrigerator. Let nature work its magic for anywhere from 1 to 10 days, depending on how bold you want the flavor. The longer it steeps, the more intense your oil becomes.

When you're satisfied with the taste, strain everything through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve, transfer to a clean bottle, and keep refrigerated. Your homemade creation should be enjoyed within a month – though I bet it'll disappear much faster!

For creative ways to use your fresh infusions, check out More info about How to Use Infused Olive Oils in Cooking.

DIY method: hot infusion step-by-step

Hot infusion is my go-to method for coaxing flavor from heartier ingredients like dried herbs, whole spices, and robust items like garlic or chile peppers. It's also generally safer for home cooks since the heat helps eliminate potential bacteria.

To create a hot-infused treasure, warm a cup of quality olive oil with about 2 tablespoons of your chosen flavoring in a saucepan. Gently heat to around 150°F (65°C) – a kitchen thermometer is your best friend here! Maintain this gentle warmth for 5-10 minutes, being careful never to exceed 200°F, which could damage the oil's wonderful properties.

After your oil has captured all those delicious flavors, remove it from heat and let it cool completely. Strain through cheesecloth, transfer to a sterilized bottle, and store in a cool, dark place. Your hot-infused creation will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks.

Some of my favorite hot infusion combinations include the classic garlic and rosemary (perfect for roasted potatoes), dried chile peppers (amazing drizzled over pizza), and black peppercorns with thyme (divine on grilled steak).

"The secret to great infused oil isn't just in the ingredients – it's in the patience. Let the flavors develop fully before rushing to use them."

How pros do it

While our home methods yield delicious results, commercial producers like The Olive Tap take infusion to another level entirely.

Professional artisans employ sophisticated techniques like vacuum infusion, where negative pressure speeds up flavor extraction, and nitrogen blanketing to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life. Some even use ultrasonic extraction, where sound waves break down cell walls to release more intense flavors.

These masters work in controlled environments with precise temperature and humidity regulation. Every batch undergoes rigorous laboratory testing for quality, purity, and safety – ensuring that when you buy a bottle of flavor infused olive oil from The Olive Tap, you're getting consistent excellence every time.

The Olive Tap partners with multi-generational artisan producers who've perfected these techniques over decades. Their expertise shows in every bottle, from the perfectly balanced garlic infused olive oil to the bright, sunshine-in-a-bottle lemon infused olive oil.

Whether you're crafting oils at home or enjoying The Olive Tap's artisanal creations, these flavorful elixirs are sure to transform your everyday cooking into something extraordinary.

Cooking, Pairings & Health Benefits

Flavor infused olive oils are the secret weapons in many kitchens – changing everyday cooking with just a simple pour or drizzle. Whether you're dipping crusty bread, whisking up a salad dressing, creating a marinade, or adding that perfect finishing touch to a dish, these oils bring instant flavor without extra effort.

Most popular flavor infused olive oils

When customers visit The Olive Tap, they often gravitate toward certain flavor favorites that have earned their place as kitchen staples.

Lemon Infused Olive Oil brings sunshine to your plate with its bright, zesty character. This refreshing oil has become a go-to for seafood lovers and salad enthusiasts alike. It's particularly wonderful during warmer months when its citrus notes complement lighter fare perfectly.

The Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil captures Italy's heart in a bottle. With its harmonious blend of rosemary, oregano, basil, and garlic, it delivers what one customer called "an Italian grandma-approved touch" to pasta, pizza, and roasted vegetables.

For those who appreciate complexity, Blood Orange Infused Olive Oil offers a sophisticated sweetness with subtle berry undertones. It's remarkably versatile, crossing the boundary between savory applications and desserts with neat ease.

Heat-seekers love our Chipotle Infused Olive Oil, which adds smoky warmth and depth to grilled foods, marinades, and finished dishes. It's that perfect touch of controlled heat that improves rather than overwhelms.

"Our infused olive oils make great gifts for everyone – they're irresistibly delicious and tantalize your taste buds with every drop."

Perfect pairings & recipe ideas

The beauty of flavor infused olive oils lies in their versatility and how they complement other ingredients. Here's how to make the most of these flavorful wonders:

For pasta night, try drizzling Garlic Basil Infused Olive Oil over fresh spaghetti with a sprinkle of Parmesan – simple yet sublime. If you're serving seafood, brush Lemon Infused Olive Oil on fish just before it leaves the grill for a bright finish that improves without overwhelming.

Vegetables absolutely shine with the right oil pairing. Roast potatoes with Garlic Infused Olive Oil and fresh rosemary for a side dish that might upstage your main course. Or toss warm grilled vegetables with Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil to lift their natural flavors.

Don't limit these oils to savory applications! Drizzle Blood Orange Infused Olive Oil over vanilla ice cream for a sophisticated dessert, or fold Lemon Infused Olive Oil into cake batter for incredible moisture and flavor. These unexpected uses often become family favorites.

When entertaining, create a simple olive oil tasting station with small dishes of different infusions alongside artisan bread. It's an interactive appetizer that gets conversations flowing while showcasing the oils' distinct personalities.

While these oils are incredibly versatile, they're best used for finishing, in dressings, for bread dipping, or in low to medium-heat cooking (below 375°F). High heat can damage both the flavor compounds and the beneficial properties of the oil itself.

Why these oils are good for you

Flavor infused olive oils don't just make food taste better – they're good for your body too. The extra virgin olive oil that forms the foundation of these infusions brings impressive health credentials to your table.

At its core, quality olive oil delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and powerful polyphenols with antioxidant properties. These compounds support healthy cholesterol levels and provide anti-inflammatory benefits that align perfectly with Mediterranean diet principles – consistently rated as one of the healthiest eating patterns worldwide.

The infusion ingredients bring their own health bonuses to the party. Garlic infusions add extra cardiovascular support, while citrus oils contribute additional antioxidants. Herb-infused varieties introduce the phytonutrients specific to each herb, and chili-infused oils contain capsaicin, which some research suggests may help boost metabolism.

There's a practical health benefit too – using these flavor-packed oils often means you can reduce salt in your cooking without sacrificing taste. They also allow you to replace heavy cream-based sauces with a flavorful drizzle, maintaining richness while significantly cutting calories and saturated fat.

For those interested in the science behind olive oil's health benefits, numerous studies have documented its positive effects on heart health. You can explore more detailed Scientific research on olive oil heart benefits to understand why these oils deserve a place in your wellness routine.

The Olive Tap's premium oils retain all these beneficial properties while adding the complementary benefits of their carefully selected infusion ingredients – proving that delicious and nutritious really can go hand in hand.

Safety, Storage & FAQs

Let's talk about keeping your flavor infused olive oils safe and delicious for as long as possible. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy every last drop of these culinary treasures.

Safe infusion checklist

If you're making infused oils at home, safety needs to come first. Oil creates a low-oxygen, low-acid environment that—while rare—can potentially support harmful bacteria growth including Clostridium botulinum (the botulism culprit).

Don't worry too much though! As one expert puts it: "There are only about 110 cases of botulism in the USA every year, and over half of those cases are infants (who do not consume flavored oil)."

To keep your homemade creations safe, follow these simple guidelines: Always use scrupulously clean equipment; thoroughly dry fresh ingredients before adding them to oil; consider using dried herbs instead of fresh when possible (they're much safer); heat your oil to at least 150°F for hot infusions to eliminate bacteria; and always refrigerate cold-infused oils right away.

Watch for warning signs like cloudiness, strange odors, or bubbling—these are your cues to discard the oil immediately. When you purchase flavor infused olive oils from The Olive Tap, you can relax knowing they've undergone rigorous safety testing and quality control.

Storage & shelf-life hacks

Your beautiful flavor infused olive oils deserve proper storage to maintain their vibrant flavors and health benefits:

Think of olive oil as the vampire of your kitchen—it hates light! Store bottles in a dark cabinet or pantry away from windows. The ideal temperature is a cool 57-70°F, so keep those bottles away from your stove, oven, and other heat sources. Always tighten caps securely after each use to minimize air exposure.

Commercial and homemade oils have dramatically different shelf lives. The Olive Tap's professionally-crafted oils will stay fresh for 9-12 months sealed and 4-6 months once opened when stored properly. Your homemade creations are more delicate creatures—hot-infused versions last about 3-4 weeks in the pantry, while cold-infused varieties need refrigeration and should be used within a month.

Want to extend freshness? Buy sizes you'll actually use within a reasonable time. Consider pouring larger bottles into smaller containers to reduce air exposure. Some olive oil enthusiasts even use vacuum pump systems to remove air from partially used bottles. A simple trick is writing the opening date on the bottle with a permanent marker—no more guessing games!

The dark glass bottles used by The Olive Tap already provide excellent protection, but proper storage habits will ensure you enjoy every last drop at its flavorful best.

Frequently Asked Questions about flavor infused olive oil

Q: What's the difference between EVOO and infused olive oil?

Think of EVOO as the pure, unadulterated olive juice—no additives whatsoever. Flavor infused olive oil takes that premium EVOO foundation and adds carefully selected natural flavoring ingredients. The Olive Tap insists on using only the highest quality EVOO for their infusions, ensuring you get all the health benefits along with amazing flavors.

Q: How long does homemade infused oil last?

Your kitchen creations need more attention than store-bought versions. Hot-infused homemade oils typically stay fresh about 3-4 weeks at room temperature, while cold-infused varieties should live in your refrigerator and be used within a month. The professionally-crafted infused oils from The Olive Tap maintain their quality for 9-12 months when properly stored.

Q: Can I cook at high heat with flavored oil?

I'd recommend against it. High temperatures (above 375°F) can damage those precious flavor compounds and potentially create bitter notes. Flavor infused olive oils truly shine as finishing touches—drizzled over completed dishes, whisked into dressings, offered with bread for dipping, or used for gentle low to medium-heat cooking.

Q: Are flavor infused olive oils healthy?

Absolutely! They retain all the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil while potentially adding benefits from the infusion ingredients. They're a significantly healthier choice compared to butter or other saturated fats, making them perfect for the health-conscious cook who refuses to sacrifice flavor.

Q: What's the difference between fused and infused oils?

It's all in the timing. Fused oils (also called agrumato) are made by crushing olives together with fresh ingredients during the actual pressing process. Infused oils are created by adding flavoring ingredients to already-pressed olive oil. Both methods create delicious results, and you'll find excellent examples of each at The Olive Tap.

Q: How can I tell if my infused oil has gone bad?

Trust your senses! Look for cloudiness, unusual odors, bubbling, or any mold growth. If your oil smells rancid or unpleasant rather than like its intended flavor, it's time to say goodbye. When in doubt, throw it out—your taste buds and tummy will thank you.

Q: Why should I choose The Olive Tap's infused oils instead of making my own?

While DIY projects can be fun, The Olive Tap's flavor infused olive oils offer significant advantages: professional crafting using premium ingredients, rigorous safety and quality testing, consistent flavor profiles you can count on, and substantially longer shelf life than anything you can create at home. Plus, you get to skip the cleanup!

Conclusion & Buying Guide

Flavor infused olive oils have truly transformed how we approach everyday cooking. These little bottles of liquid gold offer an effortless way to lift simple dishes into something special – whether you're a seasoned chef or someone who's just finding their way around the kitchen.

Choosing the Perfect Infused Olive Oil

Finding the right flavor infused olive oil doesn't have to be overwhelming. Think of it as a delicious trip with these helpful signposts along the way:

When browsing the shelves (virtual or physical), look for oils that proudly start with Ultra Premium (UP) or high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This foundation matters tremendously! Quality producers like The Olive Tap use only the finest base oils for their infusions.

The packaging tells you a lot too. Dark glass bottles aren't just for looks – they protect your precious oil from light damage that can degrade quality. Clear, honest labeling that specifies how the oil was made (infused or fused) shows a producer with nothing to hide. And if you see a harvest or bottling date? That's a wonderful sign of transparency.

Price-wise, expect to invest between $12-$39 for a quality bottle, depending on size, production method, and ingredients. Those amazing truffle-infused varieties naturally command higher prices because, well, truffles aren't exactly growing in everyone's backyard! The Olive Tap has thoughtfully curated options across this range, ensuring there's something for every budget and kitchen.

When building your collection, start with versatile workhorses like Garlic, Lemon, or Tuscan Herb infused oils. These play well with countless dishes and will never gather dust in your pantry. Then consider your own cooking style – love Mexican cuisine? A chipotle-infused oil might be your new best friend. Bake often? Citrus-infused varieties can transform your desserts.

Perfect for Gifting

Let's be honest – finding thoughtful gifts that won't end up in the donation pile can be challenging. Flavor infused olive oils solve this dilemma beautifully. They make memorable housewarming presents, distinctive holiday gifts, and wedding presents that newlyweds will actually use.

I've personally brought a bottle of The Olive Tap's blood orange infused oil to dinner parties instead of the usual wine, and the hosts were genuinely thrilled to receive something different. For corporate giving, these oils communicate good taste in more ways than one! The Olive Tap's attractive packaging and curated gift sets make your gifting even more special.

The Olive Tap Difference

What makes The Olive Tap stand out in flavor infused olive oils isn't just their impressive selection – it's their passionate approach to quality and education.

They've built relationships with artisan producers around the globe to bring exceptional oils to Colorado Springs. Each bottle must pass stringent quality tests before earning its place in their collection. Their freshness guarantee isn't just marketing talk – it's a genuine commitment to ensuring you taste these oils at their peak.

What I particularly appreciate is their educational approach. The knowledgeable staff doesn't just sell oil; they help you understand how different varieties can transform your cooking. They're happy to guide you whether you're a complete novice or a culinary enthusiast looking to expand your horizons.

"Our mission is to get the best tasting, highest quality Ultra Premium Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oils from around the world to your kitchen counter."

Ready to explore? The Olive Tap offers an outstanding selection of Flavor Infused Olive Oils alongside their complete collection of Shop All Olive Oils.

By bringing these flavor infused olive oils into your kitchen, you're not just adding flavor – you're embracing a Mediterranean-inspired approach to food that celebrates quality ingredients and simple pleasures. There's something deeply satisfying about changing a plain salad or basic pasta with just a drizzle of something special.

Explore The Olive Tap's collection today and find how the right flavor infused olive oil can become your kitchen's not-so-secret weapon. Your taste buds will thank you!