As your essential oil collection increases, so does your know-how. You learn which oils are best to use in the morning. You curate a mental list of diffusion blends that change the mood in your home. And you know which essential oils help you find your Zen when added to bathwater. But did you know that many of our oils can be used in the kitchen?
We’ve compiled some of our favorite tips for using essential oils in the kitchen. Add these delicious tips to your repertoire!
Breakfast
Snacks
Dinner
Beverages
What other secrets do you have for using essential oils in the kitchen? Share your ideas in the comments!
View Comments
Hi, I would like to cook more with my YLEOs but am not sure what conversion I should use. What is the equivalent tsp of dried oregano or fresh oregano to 1 drop EO. The same for basil, thyme, etc. Is this documented somewhere? It would make it easier to convert a conventional recipe.
Hi Rhonda! You can add essential oils in your favorite recipes that call for dried herbs, spices, or fruit juices. Simply replace these ingredients with the equivalent essential oil. Keep in mind that essential oils have a much stronger flavor than dried herbs and spices, so a much smaller amount is generally enough. We recommend starting out with small amounts of oil and then increasing the amount according to your own taste. These ratios can also provide a guideline for how much essential oil to use in substitutions:
• Juice or zest of one citrus fruit = 10–15 drops of oil
• 1 liquid tablespoon or more = ½–1 drop of oil
• Less than 1 tablespoon = 1 toothpick swirl of oil
Hope this helps!
Interesting article
Has anyone ever infused butter? I've made a lavender honey butter with dried lavender but would LOVE to use oil instead! Just not quite sure of what ratios to use! Trial and error with butter sounds painful.. lol
I would divide the butter into small batches and start with just one drop. You could do several flavors! Cinnamon and honey butter, Thieves or Orange - Oh my! I'm going to try this with my next batch! I go to the dairy tomorrow morning for fresh cream. Yum!
When I make pineapple juice in my vita-mix, I include the rinds and an avocado seed. I have been including the contents of my already used up Slique Tea bag!! I use it all up and blend away! Before pouring my drink into my up-cycled NingXia Red bottles I add a couple of drops of Lime or other EO's.
Would you share a recipe for all of that?
This morning, I added a few drops of peppermint to my normal vanilla iced coffee. Wow! Nice little jolt of peppermint kicked me into gear quickly. I also have been making a non-mayo potato salad and adding in lemon oil with fresh dill - at least until my Dill oil arrives. Wonderful, bright dressing mixed with Olive Oil.
I was told in a class that heat destroys the health and beneficial properties of the essential oil. So I'm wondering what the benefit of using EO in recipes that heat the oil through the cooking or baking process?
HI Tanya! Heating essential oils may diminish their beneficial properties, but oils can also be used in recipes for flavor only. Hope this helps!
Try adding the oils after cooking and removing from heat. Enjoy!
At the Orlando Grand Convention YL was serving a Lavender infused salad dressing. Any chance of getting that recipe posted. I didn't get to taste it, but the aroma coming from that area made my mouth water!
Hi Wendy, try to put some fresh lavender sprigs into apple cider vinager. Crush them a little first, and if you dare, add 1 dried chili pepper. If you are adventurous, add some garlic, too. Let sit for 2 weeks. Wonderful in salads!
Would love to try this too!
Did you get the recipe for this. I would love to try this dressing.
Not likely since Lavender is labeled topical/aromatic. However, I do know that ONE drop goes a long way! They do have other salad dressing recipes posted in the blog you could get creative with!
I like to add a drop of Longevity to a bowl of vegetable soup. It is unlike anything I have ever tasted and I feel like I am really supporting my good health, plus I like the flavor!
I love to try it out, thank you :-)
I like that.
there was a pudding in a small cup at the national convention 2014. YUM, YUM any chances of getting the recipe?
Hi Sandra, thanks for your comment! Was it an "Orange Julius" in the Tasteful Kitchen booth? If so, I can post that recipe!
I'd like the Orange Julius recipe.
Hi Rebecca - sure!
2 peeled oranges
1/2 cup agave or honey
3 cups vanilla almond milk
1 scoop Pure Protein Complete
3 cups ice
Peel orange, pull apart into fourths and add to blender. Add all orhter ingredients to blender with the ice added last. Blend until smooth, about 10 sec on high.
Enjoy!