Lemon Oil Recipes

Lemon is a valuable citrus fruit, and is highly appreciated for its juice that contains approximately 5 percent citric acid, which imparts it a sour taste. In fact, this fruit was a prime source for extraction of this acid, particularly before the advent of fermentation process. It is used for cooking, baking, and other non-culinary purposes. Other products like lemon oil, pulp, and zest are also used for a wide range of applications.

Lemon oil is extracted from the rind or zest portion, and it appears yellowish green in color. Commercial production is done by means of cold extraction. Its aroma resembles that of freshly cut fruit. Because of its strong pleasing flavor and antiseptic properties, it is added to skin care products, aromatherapy, furniture polish, and housecleaning solutions.

In health food stores, you will get pure lemon oil and its concoction that contains specific amounts of other essential oils such as coconut, olive, and mineral oil. Purchase the right product that will suit your requirements. For aromatherapy, concentrated lemon oil is used directly.

Many people find relief from mental fatigue and stressful conditions, by inhaling vapors of this oil. You can add a few drops of it to an oil burner, and inhale the vapors. The same remedy is also effective in treating symptoms of chest congestion, cold, and flu.

If you are planning to use it for personal care, both diluted and undiluted forms can be utilized. For example, for reducing outbreaks of acne, add a drop of this oil to a cotton ball and rub it on the acne prone skin areas. Being a natural astringent, it will remove skin toxins and leave your skin glowing. In order to strengthen the immune system, you can prepare a simple concoction by adding 2-3 drops of this oil in a cup of lukewarm water. Drinking this will improve immunity.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil, ¼ cup (lemon-infused)
• Vegetables, 4 cups (assorted and raw; cut into bite sized pieces)
• Sprig Thyme, 1
• Salt, ½ tsp.

Method
In a saucepan, add olive oil and thyme. Put over medium heat and allow it to warm up for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the thyme, while retaining the flavored oil. Add vegetables in a mixing bowl and drizzle oil over it. Toss well and season it with salt. Cover the bowl with a lid and refrigerate this mixture for about 6 hours before serving.

Ingredients

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ½ cup
• Lemon Oil, 2-3 drops
• Lemon Juice, 1 cup (freshly squeezed)
• Garlic, 8 cloves (minced or finely chopped)
• Black Pepper, ½ tsp.
• Salt, 2 tsp.

Method
This recipe is a simple and delicious dressing for summer-time salads. Lemon juice combined with flavored olive oil makes a delectable salad dressing. In an airtight jar, add all the ingredients - olive oil, lemon oil, juice, garlic, black pepper, and salt. Cover the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes. Pour over shredded or green salads and serve.

It's very important to keep lemon oil as one of your kitchen items. Whichever purpose you use it for, it leaves a pleasant aroma and does not cause any side effects. You can also use it for more than 10 months from the date of extraction.