In 2023, Mediterranean oil production was down by 41%, Coldiretti said. An extremely wet spring meant olive trees flowered less and record-setting heat in summer shriveled the olives that did grow.

Wash and pat dry your basil with paper towels. Boil water in a saucepan. Add the basil and blanch for 4 to 6 seconds. You want to remove the bitterness but not boil it.

He dips one side in olive oil and bakes it for 10 minutes at 325 degrees. The basil olive oil is the longest step in the process because after blending it, it needs to strain for at least two ...