Lance Carson
Basil fragrance oil is a versatile product that can be used for aromatherapy, in candles, diffusers, and even in the kitchen. Making basil fragrance oil at home is a simple process, but it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure the oil is safe for use and retains its aromatic properties. The process involves blanching basil leaves, blending them with a mild-flavoured oil, and then storing the mixture in an airtight container. The type of basil and oil used, as well as the preparation and storage methods, can impact the final product's fragrance, colour, and shelf life.
How to make basil fragrance oil
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Basil leaves, oil (sunflower, olive, safflower, jojoba, etc.), vodka |
| Equipment | Strainer, blender/food processor, pot, bowl, paper towels, airtight container |
| Steps | Blanch basil leaves for 10-30 seconds, shock in ice water, dry, blend with oil, store in an airtight container |
| Storage | Refrigerate and use within 2-4 days |
| Uses | Cooking (salads, soups, sandwiches), cosmetics, aromatherapy, candles, perfume |
| Safety | Avoid botulism by preparing and storing properly, do not store at room temperature |
| Expiry | Typically one year but can last longer if stored correctly |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right basil and oil
When making basil fragrance oil, it is important to choose the right basil and oil to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to guide you through the selection process:
Choosing the Right Basil
The type of basil you choose will depend on your desired scent profile and availability. Basil comes in many varieties, each offering distinct aroma characteristics. Here are some popular varieties to consider:
- Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum ): This variety offers a fresh, green, spicy, and sweet aroma. It is the most common type of basil in the United States and is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your fragrance oil.
- Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum ): Also known as "Tulsi," this variety has complex notes of clove, camphor, and mint. It provides a unique and intriguing scent profile to your oil.
- Lemon basil (Ocimum x citriodorum ): As the name suggests, this variety offers a strong lemon fragrance. It is ideal if you want a citrusy twist to your fragrance oil.
- African basil (Ocimum gratissimum ): African basil has a pungent and camphorous scent. It adds a bold and distinctive character to your fragrance blend.
- Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora ): This variety stands out with its peppery and licorice-like aroma. It adds a spicy and slightly sweet note to your fragrance creation.
When selecting basil, it is best to opt for fresh, fragrant leaves. Summer is the ideal season to make basil oil, as you can easily find fresh basil. You can pick basil leaves from your garden, buy them fresh from the supermarket, or source them from a local farmer's market. Ensure you have several handfuls to create a concentrated fragrance.
Choosing the Right Oil
The type of carrier oil you use as a base for your basil fragrance oil is also important. Here are some options:
- Olive oil: Olive oil is a popular choice for creating infused oils. It has a neutral scent that allows the basil's aroma to shine through. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants and has a relatively long shelf life.
- Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is known for its stability and resistance to rancidity. It has a longer shelf life than many other carrier oils and can preserve your basil fragrance oil for an extended period.
- Safflower oil: Safflower oil is another option with a neutral scent, ensuring that your basil's fragrance remains the hero of your blend.
When choosing a carrier oil, consider your intended use for the basil fragrance oil. If you plan to use it primarily for aromatherapy or massage, select an oil that absorbs quickly into the skin and provides a soothing sensation. If you intend to use the oil for perfumery, opt for a carrier oil with a consistency that suits the application method, such as a rollerball or spray.
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Blanching the basil leaves
After blanching, immediately transfer the basil leaves to the ice water to stop the cooking process. This step, called "shocking" the herbs, is crucial to preserving the colour and flavour of the basil. Allow the basil leaves to sit in the ice water for 20 seconds, then remove them from the water. The basil leaves will retain most of their bright green colour.
It is important to remove as much water from the blanched basil leaves as possible. You can use a salad spinner or pat the leaves dry with paper towels. Be gentle during this step, as you do not want to squeeze the basil leaves and let the fragrance escape. Check the basil leaves for any remaining hard stalks and remove them.
The blanched basil leaves are now ready to be infused in oil. Choose an oil with a mild flavour, such as sunflower oil or regular olive oil. Strongly flavoured oils, such as extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil, can overpower the delicate aroma of the basil.
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Pureeing the mixture
Pureeing the basil and oil mixture is a crucial step in making basil fragrance oil. This process ensures that the basil leaves are smoothly incorporated into the oil, creating a homogeneous blend that retains the aroma and flavour of the basil.
To begin pureeing, you will need a blender or food processor. The type of blender or food processor can vary depending on your preference and availability. If you plan to make small batches, a mini food processor or personal blender may suffice. However, for larger batches, consider using a full-sized blender or food processor for efficiency.
Before pureeing, make sure you have prepared the basil leaves by blanching them. Blanching helps retain the vibrant green colour of the basil and prevents the oil from turning a muddy greenish-brown colour. It also enriches the flavour and aroma of the basil before steeping. To blanch, place the basil leaves in boiling water for 10 to 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. After blanching, dry the basil leaves thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels.
Now you are ready to puree the mixture. Place the blanched and dried basil leaves into your blender or food processor. For every cup of packed basil leaves, add three-quarters of a cup of mild-flavoured oil, such as sunflower oil or regular olive oil. Avoid strongly flavoured oils like extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil, as they can overpower the delicate aroma of the basil.
Secure the lid on your blender or food processor and select the puree setting. If your appliance does not have a dedicated puree setting, start at a low speed and gradually increase it until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The pureeing process should only take a few seconds to a minute, depending on the power of your appliance and the quantity of the mixture.
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Storing the oil
Storing basil-infused oil requires careful attention to prevent botulism, a dangerous form of food poisoning. The water content in basil oil is what can develop botulism, so the drier the basil, the better. After blending the basil and oil, transfer the mixture to a sanitized airtight container. To sanitize the container, simply boil it in a pot of water for 10 minutes to kill any bacteria.
It is important to never store herb-infused oils at room temperature. Always store the basil oil in the fridge and use it within 2-4 days. If you are using an oil that doesn't go rancid quickly, such as jojoba, the oil will keep for up to 6 weeks at room temperature.
If you have made a large batch of basil oil and want to store it for longer, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and label them with the date. The oil will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.
To extend the shelf life of basil oil, you can add a natural preservative such as vitamin E or rosemary extract. This will help to prevent the oil from going rancid and will give it a longer shelf life.
Always be sure to label your basil oil with the date it was made and the date it needs to be used by. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensure that you use it while it is still fresh.
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Using the oil for aromatherapy
Basil fragrance oil can be used for aromatherapy in several ways. The oil's high linalool content contributes to its relaxing aroma, while its camphor content gives it exceptional cleansing properties.
For aromatherapy, add three to four drops of basil oil to a diffuser of your choice. You can also apply the oil to your skin with a carrier oil and include it as part of a soothing massage. The skin-cooling properties of basil oil make it ideal for aromatic massages.
To make a refreshing room spray, combine one part basil oil with three parts vodka in a spray bottle and fill the rest with water. You can also add a few drops of basil oil to a hot bath for a calming and relaxing experience.
When using basil oil for aromatherapy, it is important to follow certain precautions. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil to minimize skin sensitivity. Keep the oil out of reach of children, and if you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician before using it. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time of year to make basil oil is in the summer when basil is fresh and fragrant.
You will need basil leaves, water, ice, a strainer, and an oil with a mild flavour such as sunflower oil or regular olive oil.
First, blanch the basil leaves for 10-30 seconds. Then, immediately shock them in ice water to stop them from cooking further. Next, dry the basil leaves using paper towels or a salad spinner. Finally, blend the dried basil leaves with the oil in a blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer the oil to a sanitized airtight container and store it in the fridge.
