As a culinary expert with a passion for flavor combinations, I'm delighted to share with you the process of making lemon infused olive oil. Infusing olive oil with lemon not only enhances its flavor but also adds a vibrant touch to your culinary creations. Here's a step-by-step guide to create this delightful infusion:

### Ingredients
- Fresh lemons
- High-quality extra virgin olive oil
- A saucepan
- A cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- A clean, airtight container for storage

### Steps


1. Selecting the Lemons: Choose organic lemons if possible, as they are typically free from pesticides. The lemons should be fragrant and yield slightly when gently pressed.


2. Preparation: Scrub the lemons thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or wax. Pat them dry with a clean towel.


3. Peeling: Using a zester or a sharp knife, carefully remove the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the white pith as it can impart a bitter taste to the oil.


4. Infusing Process:
- Place the lemon peels in a saucepan.
- Pour in enough high-quality extra virgin olive oil to cover the peels completely. The oil should be cold at this point.
- Cook the mixture over the lowest possible heat setting. The goal is to warm the oil slowly to release the lemon's aromatic compounds without burning the peels.


5. Cooking Time: Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the heat to ensure it remains very low to prevent the oil from smoking.


6. Cooling: Once the infusion process is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oil cool down to room temperature. This may take a couple of hours.

7.
Straining: After the oil has cooled, strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the lemon peels. Make sure to squeeze out any remaining oil from the peels.

8.
Storage: Transfer the infused oil to a clean, airtight container. Glass containers are preferable as they do not react with the oil.

9.
Usage: Lemon infused olive oil can be used in a variety of dishes, from salad dressings to marinades, and even as a finishing oil drizzled over grilled fish or vegetables.

10.
Storage Life: Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place. It should last for several weeks, but the flavor may start to fade over time. Always check for any signs of rancidity before using.

### Tips
- Always use a gentle heat to avoid burning the lemon peels, which can result in a bitter oil.
- The quality of the olive oil you start with will greatly affect the final product, so choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Experiment with different types of lemons, such as Meyer lemons, for a slightly different flavor profile.
- You can also add other ingredients like garlic or herbs to the infusion for a more complex flavor.

Enjoy the process of creating your own lemon infused olive oil, and the delightful flavors it brings to your kitchen.

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Scrub your lemons quite thoroughly before peeling them.Peel your lemons avoiding any of the white pith.Place the lemon peel with the olive oil in a sauce pan and cook over a very low heat for 10-15 mins. ( ... Remove from the heat and allow the olive oil to cool down completely.More items...read more >>