What You Need to Know
The process involves heating a neutral oil to 120–150 °C, above its flash point but below temperatures that cause significant oxidation, and exposing it to wood smoke. Volatile smoke constituents—phenols, aldehydes, ketones, and lignin derivatives—diffuse into the oil matrix, where they are stabilized by the oil’s nonpolar environment. The resulting product delivers concentrated smoky flavor while preserving the oil’s functional properties for cooking.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Solubilization of smoke-derived phenols, aldehydes, ketones, and lignin derivatives into oil via thermal agitation