Punch Up Your Dishes Naturally
August 26, 2009 – 4:42 pm by MarinaHanes
Essential oils can be turned into powerful cleaning products, but did you know that you can also use them in your cooking? The oils are distilled from flowers, trees and other plants, so they’re pure and potent, which make them perfect enhancements to any meal or drink. Now you just need to start experimenting in the kitchen.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain essential oils as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS). The following oils are GRAS and can be incorporated into your cooking: Angelica, Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Roman, Chamomile, German, Cinnamon Bark, Citrus rind (all), Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Eucalyptus glob., Frankincense, Galbanum, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Hyssop, Juniper, Jasmine, Laurus nobilis, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Melissa (lemonbalm), Marjoram, Myrrh, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Orange, Oregano, Patchouli, Pepper, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Rosemary, Rose, Savory, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Spruce, Tarragon, Tangerine, Thyme, Valerian, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.
Start by making your meals healthier with antioxidant power. Thyme, lemongrass, lemon, oregano, cinnamon, lavender and orange are high in antioxidants, and you can use these oils in breads, yogurt and ice cream. If you want a tasty and aromatic meat or vegetable marinade, try some of the citrus oils. Or punch up drinks with cinnamon, lavender, lime, grapefruit, lemon, orange, peppermint, mandarin, spearmint or tangerine.
It’s fun to mix and match different essential oils, because it can enhance your food and drinks in seconds. However, you still need to abide by some precautionary measures. For example, never let the oils come in contact with your eyes or inside of your ears. If the oil does get splashed in your eyes, immediately use vegetable oil to flush it out instead of water. Also, ask your doctor or an experienced essential oil user before putting oils in your dishes if you’re pregnant, epileptic or have high blood pressure.
Tags: essential oils, Generally Regarded as Safe, natural cooking