Infused Olive Oil with Garlic & Rosemary

How to Make Garlic and Rosemary Infused Olive Oil

If you're wondering how to make garlic infused olive oil at home, the process is easier than you think. Using unfiltered extra virgin olive oil preserves the rich taste of the olives while allowing the garlic and rosemary to release their full aroma.

Recipe for Garlic Infused Olive Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 cups extra virgin olive oil (unfiltered)
• 2-4 garlic cloves (peeled and lightly crushed)
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Instructions:

• In a clean, dry glass bottle, add the sliced garlic and rosemary sprigs.
• Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, ensuring the ingredients are fully submerged.
• Seal the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place.
• Let the oil infuse for 1-2 weeks, gently shaking the bottle every few days.
• Once infused, strain the oil into another clean bottle to remove the garlic and rosemary, to make infused olive oil that lasts.

How long will infused olive oil last

Learning how to make garlic-infused olive oil at home is simple and brings the taste of Tuscany to your dishes.

However, common questions are: How long does homemade infused olive oil last? How to store infused olive oil correctly? And how to make infused olive oil last longer?

Cold infused olive oil shelf life is:

At room temperature: 1-2 weeks (if stored properly)
Refrigerated: Up to 1 month
Frozen: Several months

Since cold-infused olive oil with garlic and rosemary has a shorter shelf life due to the risk of botulism and spoilage, here are some useful tips to make infused olive oil last longer and store it correctly:

• Use Dried Ingredients Instead of Fresh.
  Fresh garlic and rosemary contain moisture, which can lead to bacterial growth. Using dried garlic slices or granulated garlic and dried rosemary significantly extends the flavoured oil's shelf life. If you prefer fresh garlic, roast or dehydrate it first to remove moisture.


• Keep the Oil Refrigerated.
  Refrigeration is one of the best ways to extend the shelf life of infused olive oil. While it may become cloudy or solidify, this doesn't affect quality — just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use.


• Strain the Oil Thoroughly.
  After the infusion period (1-2 weeks), strain out the garlic and rosemary to reduce moisture and prevent spoilage of the flavoured olive oil. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all small particles.


• Store in a Dark Glass Bottle
  Light and heat speed up oxidation, so use a dark glass bottle (amber or green) to protect the oil. Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.


• Make Small Batches
  Instead of making a large quantity of infused oils, prepare smaller batches more frequently to ensure freshness and safety.


• Freeze for Long-Term Storage
  Infused olive oil can be frozen in ice cube trays for long-term storage. Just pop out a cube when needed and let it melt at room temperature.

Garlic and Rosemary Infused Olive Oil Benefits

Rosemary & garlic infused olive oil is more than just a flavorful addition to your kitchen — it’s packed with health benefits that support the body from the inside out. This powerful infusion combines the heart-healthy properties of extra virgin olive oil with the immune-boosting, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic and antioxidant-rich effects of rosemary. Let’s dive deeper into the incredible benefits of garlic infused olive oil and how it can enhance your health and well-being.

• Supports Heart Health & Lowers Cholesterol
  One of the top garlic and rosemary infused olive oil benefits is its ability to protect the heart. All three ingredients contribute to lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), increasing good cholesterol (HDL), and reducing high blood pressure.
  How to Use: Use this for infused olive oil for bread dipping or drizzle garlic over salads for a heart-healthy boost.


• Reduces Inflammation & Eases Pain
  Chronic inflammation is linked to arthritis, muscle pain, and various diseases. Garlic, rosemary, and olive oil all contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce pain and swelling naturally.
  How to Use: Massage warm garlic and rosemary infused olive oil onto sore joints or muscles for natural relief.


• Boosts Immunity & Fights Infections
  This infused oil is packed with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it a natural remedy for colds, flu, and infections.
  How to Use: Take a teaspoon of garlic and rosemary infused olive oil daily to strengthen your immune system during flu season.


• Supports Digestion & Gut Health
  If you experience bloating, gas, or indigestion, garlic and rosemary infused olive oil can help improve your digestive health.
  How to Use: Add garlic and rosemary infused olive oil to soups, roasted vegetables, or herbal tea to aid digestion.


• Improves Brain Health & Memory
  Rosemary and garlic infused olive oil can help improve brain function and memory. Rosemary enhances cognitive function and may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Garlic increases blood flow to the brain, improving focus and concentration. Olive oil’s polyphenols protect brain cells from oxidative stress.
  How to Use: Use garlic and rosemary infused olive oil in cooking or as a finishing oil to support long-term brain health.


• Supports Respiratory Health
  Garlic and rosemary have long been used as natural remedies for asthma, bronchitis, and congestion. Garlic’s sulfur compounds help clear mucus and open airways. Rosemary acts as a natural expectorant, helping to relieve coughs and congestion. Olive oil soothes the throat, reducing irritation.

How to Use: Take a spoonful of garlic and rosemary infused olive oil or rub it onto your chest to relieve congestion.

• Promotes Hair Growth & Scalp Health
  Rosemary infused olive oil for hair is well-known for promoting hair growth and reducing scalp issues. Garlic increases blood circulation to the scalp, strengthening hair follicles. Rosemary stimulates hair growth and has been shown to be as effective as minoxidil for hair regrowth. Olive oil deeply conditions the scalp, reducing dandruff and hair breakage.

How to Use: Massage warm garlic and rosemary infused olive oil into the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with shampoo.

• May Help Regulate Blood Sugar
  If you have diabetes or insulin resistance, garlic and rosemary infused olive oil may help regulate blood sugar levels. Garlic improves insulin sensitivity, making it easier for the body to process sugar. Rosemary helps balance blood sugar by reducing glucose spikes. Olive oil slows digestion, preventing sugar crashes.

How to Use: Massage warm garlic and rosemary infused olive oil into the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with shampoo.

How to cook with infused olive oil

How to get the most out of garlic and rosemary infused olive oil? To maximize the garlic and rosemary infused olive oil benefits, you can use it in the following ways:

• As a salad dressing with balsamic vinegar for extra flavor and health benefits.
• As a finishing oil for pasta, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish.
• As infused olive oil for bread dipping
• As a natural remedy for digestion, immunity, or skin issues.
• As a hair treatment to nourish the scalp and promote hair growth.