Cooking with Essential Oils

Cooking with Essential Oils

Many people are not aware that they can use essential oils in cooking. These oils can be used in place of fresh or dried herbs and spices. The reason that these oils are so popular in cooking is that they have a long shelf life so you can keep them in your kitchen to have on hand when needed.

There are some things you need to take into consideration when cooking with essential oils. You want to store these oils in a cool environment and keep them away from heat, light and humidity. You never want to touch essential oils with your fingers because it may affect the composition of the oil.

Essential Oils You Can Add to Food

Lemongrass– Lemongrass is also known as geranium grass, camel’s hay and fever grass. Lemongrass is a tropical green grass that grows to about four feet high. The lemongrass essential oil has a unique flavor that combines citrus and floral notes. Lemongrass is popular is Southeast Asian cuisine, especially Sri Lankan, Thai and Vietnamese. There are a few ways you can use lemongrass oil at home for cooking purposes. You can add it to soups and curries to add flavor. In addition, lemongrass can be added to stir-fry dishes as well as marinades and salads.

Basil– Basil is an essential oil that is extracted from the herb Ocimum basilicum. Basil is greenish-yellow in color with a sweet, light and peppery aroma. Basil originally comes from the Pacific Islands and the tropical areas of Asia but today it is cultivated throughout the United States as well as Europe. Basil essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops as well as the leaves. Basil can be used in cooking for Italian dishes. You can also use basil essential oil in soups and sauces.

Dill– Dill essential oil comes from the Anethum sowa and is part of the Apiaceae family. Dill essential oil is pale yellow in color with a grassy smell to it. Dill originally comes from the southwestern part of Asia and can grow up to three feet high. Dill essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the seeds mostly. Dill essential oil is great for cooking because it adds a tangy taste to any dish. You can add dill oil to fish, chicken, pasta and vegetable dishes. You can also add it to salads and coleslaw.

Tangerine– Tangerine essential oil is also called European mandarin and features a zesty and tangy taste. Tangerine originally comes from China but was introduced to Europe in 1805 and the United States years later. Tangerines have a deep orange color and are extracted by cold expression from the peel. Tangerines can be used to add to fruit dips and smoothies.

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