Olive oil is the cornerstone of many kitchens. Whether you use it for frying, garnishing, roasting or as a salad dressing, this versatile ingredient is sometimes underappreciated in a full, family kitchen.
Olive oil does so much for us, so it deserves to be kept in a receptacle worthy of its prowess. This Stoneware Olive Oil Bottle, now available from our Mediterranean Collection, is the perfect way to bring this ingredient back to the center of your kitchen.
Today, we're going to let you in on some secret olive oil hacks that you can try in your home.
Polish:
Rather than investing in specialised cleaning products for your wooden furniture, try using olive oil to restore its shine. Mix the oil with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, apply it to a clean, non-abrasive cloth, then rub it onto the wooden surface. While your lemon juice or vinegar will clean and remove odors, Olive oil provides your wood with all the juicy nutrients and protection that it needs to keep its shine.
Olive oil also conditions and restores leather items like shoes, bags, or furniture.
Zippers:
Before you throw those favourite jeans away, bear in mind that a small dab of olive oil can act as a lubricant for tough zippers. With a cotton swab or cloth, apply a tiny amount of olive oil to the zipper teeth. Slowly, move the zipper up and down, without too much force; you will find it loosens very quickly.
Preventing Rust:
Cutlery, utensils, and other metal kitchenware (like this Alexander Atlas Salt and Pepper Mill,) is prone to patina and rust over time. But olive oil limits (and even prevents) deterioration. To keep your silvers shiny, wash and dry the metal item as normal with soap, water and a clean towel. Then pour a thin layer of olive oil onto the item, and buff it out until it gleams. The oil acts as a protective barrier that prevents the metal from reacting with air and moisture over time.
In Ice Cream:
(Yes, really!) To spice up a dessert, grab your favourite high-quality olive oil and drizzle a small amount over vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Mix it well to give your ice cream a silky texture and enhance its flavor. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top to add some wow factor.
Infusing Flavors:
Herbs are integral to cooking, and there's no better way to enhance their flavor than in an olive oil infusion. Gently heat the olive oil and sprinkle fresh or dried herbs of your choice into the pan. Before it boils, take the pan off the heat and let it cool.
Strain the mixture and store the infusion in the fridge. Use it in salad dressings, marinades, or drizzled over roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.