Let’s Talk About Ginger, Garlic, and Mustard
Ginger, garlic, and mustard offer rich, aromatic seasoning to a wide range of cuisines in diverse cultures worldwide. These ingredients are synonymous with spicy flavor profiles, and they have numerous health benefits that make them popular additives for medicinal products. In this blog post, we explore the uses and benefits of each of these wonder plants and how to use them as concentrated oils or isolates.
How Are Essential Oils and Isolates Derived From Plants?
Mustard, ginger, and garlic are only three of the many plants that can be distilled into concentrated oils and isolates to add flavor and fragrance to food.
Pure essential oils are produced by crushing plant matter and distilling the liquid to capture the plant’s natural flavor, aroma, and other characteristics. An isolate is an isolated component of pure essential oil chosen for its unique aromatic properties.
Isolates are typically extracted from essential oils using fractional distillation, using varying boiling points to separate a liquid. Producers can capture and condense the vapor of an isolate at controlled moments to harness unique scent profiles.
Using Seed and Spice Oils for Flavoring and Fragrance
Modern technology has made it easy to incorporate natural flavoring into processed foods, beverages, and cosmetics using extracts, essential oils, isolates, and distillates. Here are some of the uses and benefits of three popular plants and their aromatic oils:
- Ginger Oil
Ginger Oil is distilled from the rhizome of the ginger plant, and many studies1 have noted its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects. It is also high in antioxidants and a popular superfood ingredient with health-conscious shoppers. Many people use it to relieve sinus and chest congestion, ease nausea, soothe sore muscles and joints, and improve circulation.
Ginger ale and ginger tea often include concentrated oil to enhance the natural flavor of the drink, creating a perceived warmth and spicy aroma. Ginger typically pairs well with lemon, honey, and mint in sweet beverages and desserts. Savory uses for the zesty root are typically reminiscent of Asian cuisines, and it pairs well with cilantro and garlic. - Garlic Oil
When crushed or chopped, garlic releases the sulfur compounds allicin, diallyl disulphide, and s-allyl cysteine2. Studies have found that consuming these compounds may help to boost the immune system and decrease high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The herb is also packed with antioxidants, and using it in its concentrated oil form adds a hearty, savory aroma to many dishes.
Many food producers use Garlic Oil as a flavoring additive that typically pairs well with meat and poultry. Garlic is a popular ingredient in mixed spice products, and it can enhance the taste of chili, black pepper, and onions. Garlic oil is ideal for producing aromatic dressings, sauces, and dips. - Mustard Oil
Diluted Mustard Oil is an FDA-approved flavoring ingredient derived from the seeds of the mustard plant through steam distillation. Some studies found that mustard essential oil has many health benefits, such as pain relief, reducing inflammation, and boosting skin, heart, and hair health. The oil offers a bitter and spicy flavor profile.
Mustard typically pairs well with beef, fish, pork, and cabbage-based dishes and is often harmonious with cumin, dill, fennel, parsley, and turmeric. It is a popular additive for curry pastes, bastings, and spice mixes.
Advanced Biotech is a premium supplier of Natural Essential Oils and Isolates for the food and beverage industry. Our high-quality ingredients help you add complementary flavors and fragrances to your products to build rich, aromatic taste profiles. Please contact us to learn more about our garlic, ginger, mustard, and other seed and herb oils and extracts.
1 https://www.healthline.com/health/ginger-oil#side-effects
2 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic