Looking For A Homemade Christmas Gift. Why Not Make A Glass Bottle of Infused Olive Oil?
Posted by The Wares Team on 5th Nov 2018
When it comes to eating .. most would agree that the Italians know how to blend fantastic flavours to make delicious traditional dishes. From crusty bread and olive oil to thin, crispy pizzas, and from rich creamy desserts to good old mozzarella, there really is something to suit every appetite and taste.
The History Of Olive Oil
Olives are a classic starter in all Italian restaurants, a staple in the Mediterranean diet, and of course the basis of olive oil which is so widely used in Italian cooking ( and beyond!). Historians believe that olive trees actually first grew in Ancient Greece and then spread throughout the Mediterranean region as the Greeks explored and travelled further from home.
The pressing of olives dates back to around 3000 BC and still continues in full force today! At Wares, we stock a wide range of oil bottles, all of which are very popular with our customers; from restaurateurs and artisan producers to individuals making flavoured oils for gifts. Most of our oil bottles are available in a range of size/colours and with a choice of standard or oil-pourer caps making them very versatile.
By infusing olive oil with herbs and spices, it is a great way to add flavour to your dishes and is a perfect gift for someone that likes to try new flavours. Infusing oil with dried herbs from your own garden such as rosemary or thyme works well and you have still have plenty of time before Christmas to start infusing.
Glass Bottles for Olive Oil
We would recommend a glass bottle suitable for oil with either a corked or twist off cap. Do check out our full range of oil bottles. Flavoured vinegar bottles would need a lined metal cap ( to prevent rusting), plastic cap or cork if you don't plan to transport. The 16oz Vintage Oil is one of our most popular oil bottles and comes complete with a twist off, bakerlite screw cap options or a cork. A gift of a traditional glass oil bottle with pourer lip and glass handle would complement your infused oil.
Whilst delicious in its original form, olive oil also provides a fantastic basic foundation to add flavours to. It is really easy to create, and makes an ideal homemade gift for all occasions!
Recipe for Rosemary Infused Oil
* 500ml light olive oil
* 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns (optional)
* 6-8 sprigs of dried rosemary
Pour the oil into a heavy saucepan and add the peppercorns / flavouring if desired. Gently warm the oil until bubbles start to appear around the edge of the pan. Remove from the heat and then allow the oil to cool. Ensure that the bottle(s) are sterilised prior to use. The sprigs of rosemary can be added to the bottles prior to the bottles being filled with the oil. Seal the bottle and label ready for Christmas.
Please do note that is important to use dried herbs if you are making these as gifts and do not intend to use straight away. The use of fresh herbs can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria in the oil.