By Zenab Ishtay, Aromatherapist & Cosmetologist
Cooking is an art that engages all our senses and the use of essential oils in the kitchen can elevate this experience to new heights.
A Gourmet experience
When it comes to cooking with essential oils, it is important to understand that not all oils are created equal.
Only food-grade essential oils, which are deemed safe for consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA, should be used in cooking.
These oils can provide intense flavours and aromas that are often more potent than their dried or fresh herb counterparts.
Another important point to note when cooking with essential oils is to cook with essential oils which are not made with dissolvent or absolutes.
Convenient and useful
One of the most significant advantages of using essential oils in cooking is their convenience. A single drop can impart the essence of an herb, or spice without the need for peeling, chopping, or grinding.
This can be particularly useful when an ingredient is out of season or hard to find. For example, a drop of lavender oil can replace lavender flowers in a recipe, providing the same floral notes without the need for the actual blooms.
Infusing flavour
Essential oils also offer a way to infuse flavour without adding extra calories or altering the texture of a dish.
They are perfect for creating marinades, dressing and sauces, or for adding a final flourish of flavour to a completed dish.
However, because of their concentration, it is crucial to use them sparingly. Usually, one or two drops are more than enough to flavour an entire recipe.
Ask yourself
Always ask yourself why you are using an essential oil. Is it to avoid bloating? In this case, you can use peppermint, or anise.
Experiencing anxiety? Try using marjoram, melissa, or lavender. Dealing with high blood pressure? Ylang-ylang may help.
This means that we can use essential oils for their chemicals properties to complement our food. If you don’t have essential oils you can use herbs.
Essential oils vs herbs
Due to their volatile nature, essential oils can lose their flavour when exposed to high heat for extended periods.
To preserve their essence, it is best to add them towards the end of the cooking process or in recipes like smoothies, salads, or desserts.
To begin your culinary adventure with essential oils, start with a small amount; one to two drops are often sufficient to impart flavour to an entire dish.
Because of their concentration, essential oils offer a more intense flavour than fresh or dried herbs, making them perfect for various recipes. For example, ginger essential oil can add a zesty kick to smoothies or baked goods, while lavender oil can bring a floral note to desserts and teas.
Experimenting with essential oils
Experimenting with essential oils in the kitchen opens up a world of creativity. Imagine the zesty kick of lemon oil in a lemon poppy seed cake, the warmth of cinnamon oil in your morning oatmeal, or the refreshing touch of peppermint oil in a chocolate mousse.
The possibilities are endless, and the results can be delightful. Remember that it is not advisable to mix essential oils with cold or room temperature water.
Food Safe
Be sure to use the listed oils which are food-safe. The FDA has a list of essential oils generally recognised as safe for culinary use. You can always consults a health care provider or clinical aromatherapist.
Pairing essential oils with herbs
The beauty of using essential oils in cooking lies in their versatility. They can be paired with whole herbs to create a more layered flavour profile. For example, rosemary essential oil can complement fresh rosemary in a roasted lamb dish, enhancing the herbaceous notes.
Similarly, basil oil can boost the freshness of a tomato basil sauce, adding depth to the flavour.
Creating Infusions
One popular method of incorporating essential oils into cooking is by creating infusions. Olive oil, for example, can be infused with lemon and rosemary oils to create a flavourful dressing for salads or a marinade for chicken.
The process is simple: Pour high-quality extra-virgin olive oil into a glass container and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil.
For an added touch, you can include a sprig of the corresponding herb, which will gradually infuse additional flavour into the oil. For every quarter cup of oil use only one drop of essential oil.
Safety and best practices
While the culinary use of essential oils can be a delightful experience, it’s important to practice safety. Always use oils that are labeled as food-grade and follow recommended guidelines for their use.
Keep in mind that essential oils are not suitable for everyone, and their potent nature means they should be used sparingly and with care. People with kidneys problems, or liver cancer should not or use essential oils in any form.
The use of essential oils and herbs in cooking is a journey of flavour exploration. With the right knowledge and a sense of adventure, you can transform your dishes into aromatic masterpieces that tantalise taste buds and nourish the soul.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, adding potent essences can bring a new dimension to your culinary creations. So why not start experimenting and discover the endless possibilities that essential oils and herbs have to offer in the kitchen? Happy cooking!
