Herbs in vinegar or oil?

[Sylvie]

I want to make an herb vinaigrette but I have read recipes calling for the herbs to be added to the vinegar first and others say to add to the oil first. Both must be steeped for hours to allow the herbs to impart their flavor and fragrance. I want to try this with the honey melon sage but I don't have much so can't experiment.
Which works better, vinegar or oil?

 

[Sylvie]

Let me ask this in a different way. Would you buy a vinegar with herbs in it or an oil with herbs in it?

 

[patandchickens]

Absolutely vinegar with herbs in it. It is safer and keeps better. And tres easy to make of course

Infused oils have a short shelf-life even with refrigeration, and unless made/kept properly they are more of a botulism risk than most foods.

Does that help any?

Pat

 

[Sylvie]

Thanks Pat. I'll go with the vinegar.