When we want to give our meals a stronger and more original flavor, we often think of spices, but did you know that flavored oils are also a great culinary addition? Although they may be better known in the beauty or aesthetic field, these types of oils have applications in cooking that will surprise you.
If you haven’t discovered them yet, keep reading, because it might completely change your perspective on flavors in food.
What Are Flavored Oils and How Are They Made?
Flavored oil is an oil to which a distinctive aroma has been added through the infusion of herbs, spices, fruits, or flowers. Depending on the use, aromatic oils may be intended for cooking or aromatherapy. They can be made in various ways, depending on whether the goal is an edible product or one for personal care:
Cold Infusion (for culinary use)
An oil like olive, sunflower, or canola is used. The ingredients are submerged in the oil and left to rest for several weeks in a dark place to gradually release their aroma and flavor.
Hot Infusion (for culinary use)
Similar to cold infusion, but in this case, the oil is gently heated with the ingredients to speed up the flavor transfer process. It’s useful when an aromatic oil is needed in a short time.
Steam Distillation (for essential oils)
Fresh or dried plants (such as lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus) are placed in a distiller. Steam passes through the plants, releasing the aromatic compounds, which condense into a mixture of oil and water. The oil is then separated from the mixture to obtain the final product. This method is used to obtain highly concentrated essential oils used in aromatherapy.
Cold Pressing (for essential oils)
Mostly used to obtain citrus essential oils (such as lemon or orange). The fruit peels are pressed to naturally release essence and aromatic compounds without using heat.
Types of Aromatic Oils
Aromatic oils can be classified into several types according to their use and method of preparation. Let’s see which are the most important and widely used:
Culinary Aromatic Oils
These are used to enhance the flavor and aroma of foods. They can be made from various ingredients, such as herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers. Some of their most popular applications are in salads, pastas, meats, fish, and as a dip for bread.
Essential Oils (Aromatherapy)
These are concentrated plant extracts primarily used for non-culinary applications. Lavender essential oil, for example, is known for its calming and relaxing properties, while tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Their most common uses are in diffusers, massages, baths, and cosmetic products.
Cosmetic Aromatic Oils
Used to improve skin, hair, and in personal care product manufacturing. You probably know sweet almond oil, known for its ability to hydrate and soften the skin, or coconut oil, which can be infused with aromas like vanilla or citrus (mainly used in creams and hair products).
Massage Oils
Oils like jojoba, sesame, or sweet almond are aromatized with essential oils to create specific blends for therapeutic massages that provide certain sensations or effects.
Medicinal Infused Oils
Made using plants with therapeutic properties, they are used in natural remedies. St. John’s Wort oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it useful for treating burns and muscle pain.
Home Fragrance Oils
These are not edible and are used exclusively to scent spaces.
Applications
Although we mentioned earlier that aromatic oils are widely known in the beauty and health world, they also have a broad range of culinary uses, adding exceptional flavors to dishes. They can be used both to enrich recipes and to give a final touch to preparations. Here are some ideas we can offer you:
Salad Dressings
Flavored oils, such as olive oil infused with herbs (rosemary, basil, garlic) or citrus, are used to dress salads and give them a more complex and pleasant flavor. Mixed with balsamic vinegars, citrus juices, or mustard, they make unique vinaigrette sauces.
Marinades
These oils are ideal for marinating meats, poultry, and fish before cooking, helping to enhance their flavor and keep them juicy. Those with garlic, ginger, lemon, or chilies add a special touch that complements the protein and highlights its natural flavors.
Sauces
Aromatic oils are used as a base for preparing sauces like pesto (using basil oil) or to accompany breads and crudités. They can also be drizzled over hummus and other spreads for a fresh and distinctive touch.
Drizzling Over Vegetables
Herb- or garlic-flavored oils can be drizzled over roasted or grilled vegetables to intensify their flavor. Aromatic oils with thyme or rosemary are common in baked potato dishes and other vegetable sides.
Dipping
Flavored oils are often served with fresh bread, creating a simple yet tasty appetizer. They are commonly found in garlic or herb varieties in restaurants for dipping bread. They can also be used on bruschettas or toast with other ingredients, like tomato and basil. Adding a drizzle of truffle or basil olive oil at the end of cooking gives pastas and rice a gourmet flavor without needing heavy sauces. Oils with chili or garlic are perfect for dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio.
Cooking Foods
Some of these oils can be used for cooking, though it’s best not to subject them to high temperatures to preserve their aroma. For example, a rosemary or garlic oil is ideal for sautéing over medium heat. In Asian cooking, they are infused with ginger or chilies to stir-fry ingredients and add a spicy or exotic flavor.
Final Touches on Soups and Creams
A few drops of truffle, garlic, or herb-infused olive oil can add a touch of flavor and sophistication to soups and creams before serving. This use enhances the dish and provides a texture contrast, especially if used in a smooth cream or puree.
Baking
Although less common, some oils flavored with citrus, vanilla, or cinnamon can be used in baking to add a subtle flavor to cakes, cookies, or muffins. A touch of orange or lemon oil can be used in glazes or doughs to provide a fresh and pleasant aroma.
Remember that aromatic oils have intense flavors, so it’s best to use them in small quantities. They should be kept in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life and preserve their aroma. For culinary oils, it’s ideal to use a high-quality base oil, as it will affect the final flavor of the product. If you have any questions about their production or storage, you can consult the technical team at Cosmos Aromática, who will answer all your questions. It’s no wonder we have been dedicated to making food aromas for nearly half a century.
What Are the Benefits of Aromatic Oils in Cooking?
Using aromatic oils in cooking brings numerous benefits that can enhance both the cooking experience and the quality of meals. If, besides tasty cooking, you want to try a different and original way of cooking, these oils can help you to:
Enhance Flavor and Aroma
Aromatic oils have the ability to enhance the natural flavors of ingredients, making dishes more flavorful without the need to add multiple seasonings. Cooking with infused oils achieves a distinctive aroma that contributes to a richer and more appetizing sensory experience.
Save Time
Using this ingredient eliminates the need to chop and add fresh herbs or spices separately, as the flavor is integrated into the oil.
Provide Health Benefits
Depending on the ingredients used, aromatic oils can offer health benefits. For example, garlic-infused oil may provide antibacterial and antioxidant properties, while ginger-infused oil can aid digestion. If healthy oils like extra virgin olive oil are used, they provide heart-beneficial monounsaturated fats.
Sophisticate Dishes
Adding a drizzle of flavored oil at the end of a dish preparation gives it a professional and sophisticated touch, such as truffle oil on risottos or salads. Some oils, like those infused with chilies or fresh herbs, can make dishes more visually appealing.
Adapt Culinary Styles
These oils also allow you to incorporate flavors from various cultures. For example, a ginger and garlic-infused oil is ideal for enhancing Asian dishes, while one with Mediterranean herbs complements Italian and Greek cuisine perfectly. You can choose specific infusions to personalize your dish’s flavor according to your preferences, whether spicy, citrusy, or herbal.
Preserve Flavor at High Temperatures
Some aromatic oils can withstand medium cooking temperatures, although we recommend using them as a finishing touch or at low temperatures.
Assist with Special Diets
This ingredient helps enhance the flavor of food without the need to add salt or sugar, which is very beneficial for those looking to reduce their intake of these ingredients. They are also suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, providing a natural and delicious way to flavor food without animal products.
Improve the Dining Experience
Aromatic oils contribute to a more complete dining experience, stimulating both taste and smell. Well-seasoned dishes with aromatic oils tend to be more satisfying, which can help us enjoy meals more and eat more mindfully.
Have we convinced you to try or incorporate aromatic oils into your meals? If you have any questions or need more information, the team at Cosmos Aromática is here for anything you need. Our commitment goes beyond aroma and beverage design. Shall we talk?
