[cheshirecheese]

I've been asked to make some wedding favours for an Italian girl who'd like little bottles of flavoured olive oil to reflect her cultural origins.  I've obviously made flavoured oils for myself before, but I'm a bit concerned about doing it on this scale (110 guests at the last count!) and the risk of killing them all off!!

I'm aware of the botulism risk with fresh chillies and know you need to heat the oil if using dried, but what about any risk with her other choice, rosemary?  I know you use cold oil for green herbs, so isn't there a risk of bacteria being present if the herbs aren't subjected to heat?  Or do you scald with boiling water first?

Any comments/tips/advice gratefully received!!   

[Val H]

I'm not the best person to get onto this subject as I've been eating garlic and chillies stored in cold oil for 35 years and live to tell the tale! Theoretically, and I mean theoretically, there could be a minute risk. Scalding the rosemary with boiling water would not, again theoretically, remove the chance of botulism. Personally all I would do is wash the rosemary and make certain that no water droplets remain on it before storing in the cold oil.

[cheshirecheese]

Thanks for that, Val.  It did worry me a bit when I read an article about botulism and chillies, which prompted my question! 

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for me!! 

[Val H]

Theoretically it is important that the rosemary has no water droplets and is dry. The oil itself does not support bacterial growth but water can (at a push)!

[agapanthus]

Good question! I've been thinking about putting some walnuts in oil....got a fair few now but have no idea how to go about it.

[Mrs Bee]

Hi Cheshire. Sounds as if you are busy as usual.

Why not wash the rosemary, dry it off in a low oven and heat the oil to the temperature which kills off botulism and nasties, and add the rosemary and any other ingredients that may be a problem.

[mumofstig]

I find that heating alters the flavour of the oil 

[Val H]

Only response....yes it does alter the taste of the oil and, in my opinion, a waste of time! If you want whole sprigs in it, please feel free to pm me.