Culinary Uses Of Essential Oils
Many people diffuse the scent of essential oils throughout their home using oil burners as a natural alternative to candles, or add them to homemade cleaners. In addition to using them for their pleasant scents, you can also incorporate edible essential oils into your recipes in place of dried herbs and spices for an intense flavor infusion.
Some essential oils intended for culinary use are:
1. Basil and Oregano Essential Oils
You can use basil and oregano essential oils in the same way as their fresh and dried counterparts. Place a few drops of the basil in your favorite Italian dishes, such as spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna or eggplant parmesan. The oils will also enhance cold pasta salads. Test the food as you add the essential oil drops to avoid over-seasoning.
2. Orange, Lemon and Lime Essential Oils
Infuse your recipes with orange, lemon and lime essential oils to give the food a lively citrus kick. Cold-presses from the rinds of the fruit, you can use the citrus oils to enhance everything from baked goods, such as lemon meringue pie, to sauces, marinades, smoothies and salsas.
You can add a few drops of lemon essential oil to your hot or iced tea in place of lemon juice if you don't have the fresh fruit on hand. Lemon and lime oils will also add flavor to water without added sugar and calories.
3. Rosemary, Sage and Marjoram Essential Oils
When you're baking your favorite meals, especially chicken dishes, reach for rosemary, sage and marjoram oils to add instant all-natural flavor. The oils will also lend an earthy, herbacious taste to sauces, marinades, stuffings and hearty soups.
Rather than cutting and chopping the fresh herbs, you can achieve the same flavor profile with the essential oils.
4. Nutmeg and Cinnamon Bark Essential Oils
A fast and easy way to enhance your homemade baked goods is with nutmeg and cinnamon bark oils. Use a few drops of the oils instead of the powdered herbs in your favorite recipes, such as cookies and breads. You'll need to use less of the oils than the powders to achieve the same level of flavor.
5. Peppermint and Spearmint Essential Oils
Give your food or drinks an invigorating "zing" with peppermint and spearmint essential oils. Try adding a drop or two of the mint oils to drinks such as tea and hot chocolate. They're also ideal for baking cakes, cookies and a variety of holiday treats. To learn more, contact a company like Living It Out with any questions you have.