Adding essential oils to your favorite recipes makes it easy to incorporate their healthful benefits throughout the day. There are many variables with dealing with essential oils for cooking. If you have ever used fresh herbs instead of dried, you know the flavor and the quantity used is different. The same rule applies to essential oils for cooking. The oils are super-concentrated in flavor and aroma. You may find that some essential oil brands are more potent than others -- this has to do with sourcing and purity. Essential oils can add a very subtle or very strong taste to your cooked dishes, depending on how much you use. We like to enjoy and identify as many flavors in our foods as possible, so use caution and know that less is best. Start with a tiny amount, then add more as you need it. If you get too much, the flavor will dominate and can spoil your dish.
The oils all have different viscosity as well, so some are thinner and some are thicker. The type of opening in the bottle you are using will affect the size of the drop. Using a dropper or syringe can help control what you are dispersing. Another good option is to drip onto a utensil first, then pull from that amount what you want to go into your dish or beverage.
You'll notice in many recipes there are some interesting measurements that will help you add the right amount of essential oils to your cooking recipes. The best way to control quantity is to use the toothpick method. For one toothpick of essential oil, simply dip a toothpick into the
essential oil and swirl it into the recipe. This will help give a
flavor that is not overwhelming.
1 toothpick dip = Dip a toothpick into the essential oil and dip it once into the recipe.
1 toothpick swirl = Dip a toothpick into the essential oil and swirl it around in the recipe.
1/2 drop = Drop an essential oil into a spoon, then use the tip of a sharp knife to obtain the desired amount of oil and add it to the recipe.
Tips:
1. Be sure to use a fresh toothpick with each use so as not to contaminate your essential oil bottles.
2. Hot, savory, or spicy herbs are particularly hard to judge (for example, Basil oil may be much more subtle in flavor than Oregano oil), so the general rule should be: If it isn't a citrus oil, use a toothpick until you test it or have a guaranteed recipe.
3. It's always best to mix your essential oils with an olive or other oil or liquid when cooking to more evenly disperse the flavor in your dish.
4. Baking typically requires more oil flavoring than cooking does. For example, where you might use 2 or 3 toothpick swirls of Oregano in spaghetti sauce, you might use 2 or 3 drops when making artisan bread.
5. Always keep your essential oils in a dark glass container, away from
heat, light, and humid conditions. You can also store them in the
refrigerator if necessary.
6. Use a glass or ceramic bowl when mixing ingredients that contain
essential oils. The essential oil may ruin certain types of plastic.
7. Don't leave the cap off the bottle.
8. Essential oils have a much longer shelf-life than dried herbs or
spices. While oils may be more costly in the initial stages, over the
long haul they will prove to be more cost-effective.
9. Because all essential oils tend to have different viscosity levels,
don't drop the oil directly into the mixture. Drop the required amount
on a spoon and then into your mixture to ensure you have the proper
amount.
10. A little goes a long way. Add one drop, stir, and taste. Repeat until you've reached your desired result.
11. Try to avoid touching the insert with your fingers as your natural oils may affect the oil composition.
12. If you are baking with kids, be sure to keep the oils out of reach.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be used with
caution.
Substituting Oils for Herbs
Substitute an oil for an herb to increase the health benefits and increase the flavor of any dish.
1/2 teaspoon dried herbs = 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh herbs = 2-3 toothpick swirls essential oil
1 teaspoon dried herbs = 1 Tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 drop essential oil
Substituting Oils for Citrus
1 teaspoon lemon extract = 1/8 teaspoon Lemon essential oil = 16 drops
1 Tablespoon lemon zest = 1/16 teaspoon Lemon essential oil = 8 drops
Found in the Natural Living section of The Essential Life book, page 319.
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