We all know that essential oils are used for everything from aromatherapy to massage therapy and more.  However, there is another trend that is gaining popularity and that is cooking with these great pure essential oils.  While there are differing opinions on whether or not this should be done, you may be surprised to find out that you already do it!

How do I already cook with essential oils?

If you have ever used citrus zest in your recipes, then you’ve already cooked with essential oils.  That’s right, you were doing so without even knowing.  This is because the rinds used to create the zest are actually the source of the essential oils!  So the next time you have a bit of fun making that rum cake, or add a bit of lemon zest to your recipe, you can be sure you’re using essential oils and that yes, they can make a difference safely.

What types of essential oils can I use for cooking?

There are a wide variety of essential oils that can be used for cooking.  In fact, you do so on a regular basis without realizing it, as we mentioned above.  Most citrus based essential oils are sourced from the rinds of the fruit, making it quite common for you to have already done so.  Some of the most commonly used essential oils in cooking are listed below.

• Lemon
• Orange
• Lime
• Cardamom
• Peppermint
• Cumin
• Dill
• Lavender
• Spearmint
• Bergamot

These oils are great for a variety of recipes and considering the tiny amount you use, they last forever.  However, you must make sure the oils you are buying are real.  There are plenty out there on the market that claim to be pure, but upon testing it turns out they are “Pure” indeed.  Pure Synthetic.  Which means they can potentially harm you if ingested and that is the last thing you want.

What is the difference between pure and synthetic?

Truly pure essential oils are created from natural sources.  For example, Cardamom oils are created from actual Cardamom.  There are quite a number of oils on the market today and you seem to be able to find them everywhere you go, but that does not mean they are all pure and natural.  Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not label their oils to specify if they are truly safe for consumption.

That is why it is wise to avoid oils that may be synthetic.  You certainly don’t want to end your weekend get together with a lovely game of chase the ambulance.  It is simply not an appealing game and best avoided.  By doing a bit of solid research you will be able to source truly pure essential oils that will not only be safe for cooking, but of higher quality than the synthetics that are being passed off all over the market.

Are there easy to find recipes that use essential oils?

Indeed you can find a great variety of recipes that use essential oils, as well as many recipes that you already know where you could substitute pure essential oils for one of your ingredients.  A good example of this is to use Peppermint Essential Oil in a holiday candy recipe or even as a flavor boost for brownies.

No matter what you choose to make, the most important thing you can do is ensure that the oils you use are truly pure and natural, and that the amount you use is appropriate.  It takes far less essential oil to gain the same result as dry herbs and that is simply one example of why you will want to check how much you should truly use.

In the end, we simply hope you have fun and enjoy the essential oils you prefer, no matter how you use them in your life.  From aromatherapy to cooking, the range of uses is endless and the results are nearly always delicious.