Did you know that more and more people are using essential oils for cooking? This is due to their power to concentrate all the privileges of nature in small bottles.
Although most people know that these oils are used in medicine, cosmetics and aromatherapy, few are aware of their great gastronomic potential. So today at Greenuso we invite you to discover a whole new world of culinary benefits at your fingertips. Stay tuned!
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What are essential oils for cooking?
Essential oils are concentrated natural compounds extracted from the root, stem, leaves or flowers of a specific plant. This fragrant essence is obtained by distillation or pressing, and then blended with a vegetable base to obtain various products.
Among the most widespread uses are the treatment of muscular ailments, stress and anxiety, among others. It is also well known for its use in cosmetic products and household air fresheners.
However, few know that with a small amount of essential oil you could make your favourite dish a flavour experience like no other. In fact, you may have walked past one of these little bottles without knowing how much they can boost your culinary skills.
Also, it is important to know that not all essential oils can be consumed internally. Therefore, you should be very careful and be sufficiently informed as to their variety, toxicity and attributes.
5 benefits of essential oils for food
Here are the main benefits of using essential oils in your food:
Increase the shelf life of your food
A large number of essential oils are characterised by their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, preventing the growth of bacteria in your food. This is why, in recent years, these products have displaced synthetics as natural preservatives.
The most outstanding ones are made from plants such as thyme, cinnamon, oregano and clove oil. Including a couple of drops in your dishes will protect them from harmful fungi and yeasts, preserving them for much longer.
It will help you lose weight naturally
It is known that lavender oil for cooking contains properties that stimulate the digestive system. In addition, others such as grapefruit, peppermint and fennel are known to accelerate the work of enzymes, helping to break down body fat quickly.
Cinnamon oil has also been used for years to control insulin levels in the blood. We recommend combining these ingredients with a balanced diet and physical activity to lose weight in the short term. Don’t you think it’s worth including them in your eating habits?
You will have a personal inventory of concentrated flavours
Craving an orangeade and out of fruit? No need to run to the market, just add two drops of orange essential oil to your drink and you’re good to go. Plus, you don’t need to wash, chop, grind and process coriander or basil, when you can quickly use their essential oils.
Even better, you don’t have to worry about the availability of some herbs and plants out of season, because if you store these essential oils you will have access to them all year round. This alternative is very practical, as you will need little space to store them, while preserving the intensity of the flavours and smells.
Your preparations will have a gourmet touch
It’s a fact that we all enjoy good food. Just add a little of these ingredients and you’ll surprise friends and family on an afternoon lunch. Try rosemary essential oil, which has an intense flavour to enhance your preparations. Also, if you want to add more exotic scents, a great alternative would be rose or vanilla oils.
Just mix small amounts into dishes such as salads, casseroles and sauces. It is also very successful in desserts such as cakes, muffins or alfajores.
It is an invaluable source of general well-being
As we have already mentioned, essential oils have multiple health benefits. It’s just a matter of being sufficiently informed to benefit from their properties in complete safety.
You can add the freshness of peppermint oil to your morning drinks and start the day full of energy. In addition, the antiseptic properties of cardamom in dressings, salads or sauces will protect your body from infections.
On the other hand, if you are worried about heartburn, add small doses of ginger essential oil to your food, or even when baking delicious biscuits. And we can’t forget sage, which relieves menstrual pain and manages hormonal imbalances such as menopause.
In short, by consuming essential oils you not only delight your taste buds, but also promote overall health.
Tips for cooking with essential oils
Before using essential oils in your food, it is very important to consider the following:
- Avoid using scented essential oils for cooking, as they have not been processed for ingestion and may be toxic. If you want to avoid this problem, it is best to buy products certified for culinary use.
- Because of their high concentration, we suggest starting with just 1 or 2 drops of essential oils. This is usually enough to achieve the expected smell and taste, but you can adjust the dosage to your taste as you become more familiar with the product.
- It is advisable to dilute them in a carrier oil or butter before adding them to food. This will make it easier to distribute evenly throughout the preparation.
- Essential oils for culinary use are sensitive to high temperatures. Therefore, they should be added to your recipes after cooking and before serving.
- Keep in mind that some essential oils contain phenols, and if not diluted properly, they can cause burns to mucous membranes. This is why we recommend storing them in a safe place, where children do not have access to them.
So much for our publication on essential oils for cookingand their benefits. At Greenuso we want you to make the most of the medicinal properties of these products, giving your meals a gourmet touch. And remember, if you have any health condition, it is advisable to consult your doctor for advice on which essential oils you can use.
