Flavored olive oil: chili, lemon, basil & more (which do you choose?)
Flavored olive oil is extra virgin olive oil naturally infused with, for example, chili, lemon, or basil. It elevates a simple dish in a single drizzle. Our favorite to start with? The lemon oil over fish and salad, or the chili oil over pizza and pasta. In this guide, we compare the entire LeFerre line.
In short:
- Flavored olive oil = real extra virgin olive oil with a natural flavor infusion, no artificial aroma.
- Lemon and basil are fresh and versatile; chili and jalapeño add heat; smoked adds depth.
- Undecided? Start with the tasting package and try four flavors side by side.
What is flavored olive oil?
Flavored olive oil is extra virgin olive oil to which flavor has been naturally added — think chili pepper, lemon, basil, or smoke. The base remains a true extra virgin olive oil: according to the International Olive Council, the highest quality grade, cold-pressed and without chemical processing. The infusion builds upon this without obscuring that quality.
With the LeFerre line that we carry, the flavor is naturally incorporated, not with a synthetic aroma added afterward. You can taste the difference: the oil tastes full and rounded, with the added flavor as a clear top layer instead of a sharp artificial note.
How it's made: infusion vs. artificial aroma
There are two ways to flavor olive oil. In a natural infusion, fresh ingredients — peppers, lemon peel, herbs — are pressed together with the olives or steeped in the oil. In the cheaper variant, an artificial aroma is added to neutral oil. The difference lies in purity: an infusion retains the body of the oil and provides a natural, layered flavor.
Is flavored olive oil suitable for cooking?
You can cook with it, but it's a waste of the fine aromas. Heat breaks down the delicate lemon, basil, and smoky notes. It's better to use these oils cold or at the very end: as a finishing touch over a completed dish. For cooking itself, use a neutral extra virgin olive oil.
Comparing the LeFerre flavors
Below are the five flavors side-by-side, so you can quickly see which suits your kitchen.
| Flavor | Profile | Intensity | Best use | Price (250ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon | Fresh, sunny, citrus | Mild | Fish, salad, carpaccio | €10,95 |
| Basil | Herby, green, Italian | Mild | Caprese, pasta, soup | €10,95 |
| Chili | Spicy, warm, round | Medium | Pizza, pasta, grilled meat | €10,95 |
| Jalapeño | Fresh-spicy, green | Medium | Tacos, eggs, avocado | €11,95 |
| Smoked | Smoky, deep, savory | Full | BBQ, meat, soup, potato | €11,95 |
For those who love heat, chili olive oil is the classic; if you want something fresher and greener, the jalapeño variant is interesting. A lemon olive oil or basil olive oil is mild and widely applicable.
Team tasting note
Tasting note — LeFerre Lemon Olive Oil:
- Aroma: freshly grated lemon zest, a hint of blossom
- Taste: soft and sunny, with a clear citrus acidity and round olive base
- Texture: smooth, not greasy
- Best use: over white fish, grilled vegetables, burrata or a fresh salad
- Our score: 91/100 — our most versatile flavored oil
Which do you choose? Per dish
Do you often cook Italian? Then lemon and basil are your best friends — over pasta, caprese, or a soup. If you like spicy, the chili or jalapeño variant adds character to pizza, tacos, or roasted vegetables. And for a deep, savory layer with meat, soup, or roasted potatoes, smoked olive oil is a surprising choice.
Looking for a rich, umami-like flavor such as black garlic (aglio nero)? You'll also find that intense, dark note in our flavored olive oil tasting package, with which you can discover different characteristics side-by-side.
A handy rule of thumb: choose the flavor that complements your dish, not overwhelms it. A mild dish like white fish or mozzarella calls for a fresh, light touch; a hearty dish like grilled meat or a winter soup can handle a richer, smoky, or spicy oil. Start with a few drops, taste, and build up — this way you prevent one flavor from dominating.
Which flavored olive oil pairs well with fish?
For fish, the lemon variant is the clear winner: the fresh citrus acidity complements fish without overpowering it. A few drops over grilled or poached fish, just before serving, works best.
How do you store flavored olive oil?
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, well-sealed and out of direct sunlight. This way, the aromas remain stable for months. Use opened bottles within a few months for the freshest taste — natural aromas slowly fade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is flavored olive oil?
Flavored olive oil is extra virgin olive oil that is naturally infused with a flavor such as chili, lemon, basil, or smoke. The oil retains its quality and gains a clear, natural flavor layer.
Is flavored olive oil healthy?
The base is extra virgin olive oil, a source of unsaturated fats that fits within a varied diet — see also the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. The natural infusion adds flavor without removing the healthy properties of the oil.
How do you use olive oil with chili?
Olive oil with chili is used cold or at the end: a drizzle over pizza, pasta, soup, or grilled meat. By not heating it, the spicy, rounded flavor is best preserved.
Which flavored olive oil is best to start with?
The lemon or basil variant is a safe, versatile start. If you want to try different flavors right away, the tasting package with four bottles is the most economical way to find your favorite.
What is the difference between infused and artificially flavored oil?
In a natural infusion, real fresh flavor is drawn into the oil; in artificial variants, a synthetic aroma is added to neutral oil. An infusion tastes fuller, rounder, and more natural.
Ready to taste? Start with our fresh lemon oil or spicy chili oil, or discover everything at once with the tasting package.
Selected with passion — the Olijfoliemarkt.nl team.