The process of creating olive oil imbued with additional flavors involves steeping herbs, spices, or other aromatics in the oil. This allows the oil to absorb the volatile compounds from the added ingredients, resulting in a flavorful culinary product. For example, garlic cloves or rosemary sprigs can be submerged in olive oil to impart their respective tastes and aromas.
Infusing olive oil enhances its versatility and adds depth to culinary applications. It provides a simple method to elevate dishes with nuanced flavor profiles. Historically, the practice of infusing oils has been used to preserve ingredients and extract medicinal properties from plants, evolving into a technique appreciated for its culinary value.