The Art of Cooking with Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for centuries in aromatherapy for their therapeutic properties. I discovered the benefits of using essential oils in cooking a long long time ago and have written three cookbooks now with recipes starring essential oils. The newest book, Power Snacking will be out very soon! Essential oils can add flavor, aroma, and health benefits to your dishes. In this article, we will discuss how to use essential oils in cooking for good health.

• Choose high-quality essential oils

When it comes to essential oils, quality matters. Choose high-quality, food-grade essential oils (preferably) from doTERRA. Look for oils that are labeled as safe for internal use. You can also look for oils that are CPTG (certified pure therapuetic grade) organic or have been tested by a third-party lab to ensure purity.

• Dilute essential oils before use

Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, so it's important to dilute them before using them in cooking. You can dilute essential oils by mixing them with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. A general rule of thumb is to use one drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. However, my recipes use the oils in the dishas instructed without dilution.

• Use sparingly

Even when diluted, essential oils should be used sparingly in cooking. A little goes a long way, and too much can overpower the flavor of your dish. Start with just a drop or two, and taste as you go. You can always add more if needed. For example 1 drop of doTERRA peppermint oil is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea in concentration.

• Use for maximum flavor

Essential oils can be used to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. Some popular essential oils for cooking include lemon, lime, orange, peppermint, cinnamon bark, tangerine and basil. You can add a drop or two of these oils to salad dressings, marinades, sauces, and baked goods.

• Use essential oils for health benefits

In addition to adding flavor, essential oils can also provide health benefits. Some essential oils, such as ginger and peppermint, can aid digestion. Lemon and grapefruit oils can support detoxification, while lavender oil can help with relaxation and stress relief. However, it's important to note that essential oils are not a replacement for medical treatment, and should not be used to treat serious health conditions without the guidance of a healthcare professional.

• Store essential oils properly

To ensure the longevity and potency of your essential oils, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

• Heat and Cold sensitive

Most oils are going to be better when added after a heating process has occurred in a recipe. This will preserve both flavour and the health benefits. So add essential oils towards the end of cooking where possible. When using in any frozen recipes such as ice cream or smoothies, you may find that you need to increase the quantity of essential oils as flavour diminishes with the cold.

In conclusion, using essential oils in cooking can add flavor, aroma, and health benefits to your dishes. When using essential oils, it's important to choose high-quality oils, dilute them properly, use them sparingly, and store them properly. Remember to start with a small amount and taste as you go, and never use essential oils as a replacement for medical treatment. Try some of my recipes and see how you feel about the hit of flavour they can add. OH, and don't forget to access the books in my store, Smoothie Couture, Sweets and Treats, and Power Snacking will be available later this year!