Using Essential Oils

It’s about time those award-winning chefs shared with the world their cooking secrets via cable TV cooking shows. We bet you won’t find a single American kitchen without Piccalilli, turmeric, hearts of palm, or plain yogurt. We also bet you don’t have essential oils in your spice rack.

Wait, what? Essential oils are for use in baths and perfumes, not for cooking. We beg to differ. The food industry has been using essential oils in its products for over a century. They use the best photo book maker to show you what can be created using essential oils. These are the three top essential oils to use in your own culinary creations.

Know Your Essential Oils

First, make sure to research each oil. For example, avocado essential oil has the highest smoke point at 520, so you can bake or boil foods with a drop or two of avocado essential oils. Some oils should only have a drop or two added at the end of the cooking cycle, so their health benefits don’t break down into free radicals or something equally bad for the health.

Before you use them in a dish, be sure the essential oil you choose is Food Grade. Food grade oils are extracted without using harsh chemicals or solvents. Their benefits will still exist, but harmful components won’t. Generally, the cheapest essential oils are used in aromatherapy and making soaps and perfumes. Go with a reputable company like NOW Foods, Young Living, or doTerra to be safe.

• Lavender

Because the blossom smells so sweet and wonderful, you would think the taste of the essential oil would be the same. Instead, lavender has a spicy taste. While the aroma soothes and calms us, one to two drops added to meats, fish, and vegetable dishes helps preserve the foods for later. Add to fruits and desserts such as crème brulee.

Tip: The Latin word for lavender is Lavandula angustifolia and is safe for ingestion. Does not have a high smoke point.

• Lemon

Lemon essential oil is used in everything from icing to candies, and from sodas to cake mixes. If a recipe in the best photo book maker pages calls for lemon zest or lemon juice, then two to three drops of essential oil is an acceptable replacement. Did you know that lemon is good for the digestive and respiratory systems? Add it to fish and veggie dishes as well as sweets and water for a zesty taste.

Tip: The Latin word for lemon is citrea. It is generally recognized as safe for ingestion. Does not have a high smoke point.

• Cinnamon

Professional bakers use cinnamon essential oil in place of other cinnamon products like powders or cinnamon sticks. The oil fights inflammation, regulates blood sugar, lessens bad cholesterol, and motivates the immune system. Add to sweets, hot cereals like oatmeal, and to some sauces and marinades.

Tip: The Latin name for Cinnamon is Laurus cinnamomum and is safe for ingestion. Very strong; one or two drops is all that’s required. Does not possess a high smoke point.

Conclusion

Essential oils have a wealth of health benefits. They enhance many dishes, and taste great. Try putting your own recipes into the pages of the best photo book maker to share them for years to come.