Oil is a remarkable preservative and has long been used to store vegetables, herbs and cheeses, especially in the Mediterranean where olive oil is plentiful and cheap. Foods preserved in oil will keep for months without refrigeration, as long as they are kept in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage. One of the benefits of preserving food in oil, especially herbs and garlic, is that the oil becomes deeply flavorful and is wonderful to use for dipping, on salads and as a finishing oil for soups.

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