Conversion for Lemon Essential Oil for Flavoring

[Heritage Essential Oils]

Jeannie asked: I would like to use Lemon essential oil to flavor water kefir. How many drops would equal a tablespoon of lemon juice? Thanks!

Linda: This is what I have used as a general guideline:

1 tsp. lemon juice = 1 drop essential oil 

1 tsp. lemon extract = 1/8 tsp. lemon essential oil = 16 drops

1 Tbsp. lemon zest = 1/16 tsp. lemon essential oil = 8 drops

Lemon essential oil is expressed (or distilled) from the rind and does not contain the same enzymes found in the juice or pulp of lemons. People have used it for digestive benefits and antimicrobial properties, but as an essential oil it does not contain digestive food enzymes, sugars and other nutrients found in the whole lemon fruit. They are not the same.