Updated on April 9th, 2023
Rum extract is a cooking ingredient made from rum – like the name suggests. It has a concentrated rum flavor, without the high alcohol content associated with real rum. People use rum extract in cooking for a variety of reasons. For one thing, the flavor is concentrated, so when a cook wants a rum flavor without disrupting the liquid balance of food, rum extract can be used, and for people who do not drink, it may be preferable to buy a small bottle of extract for a recipe rather than a bottle of rum which may never be used.
There are two basic kinds of rum extract: natural, and imitation. The natural type is made with real rum, and it has a full, rich, complex flavor much like that of actual rum. Imitation versions are made with artificial ingredients, and tend to have a much simpler, less interesting flavor – and are cheaper. When purchasing extract, look for products that are labeled ‘natural’ so that the product is an actually pure extract.
Depending on the company which makes it, this ingredient usually contains a small amount of alcohol, although alcohol-free versions are also available. Like other extracts, rum extract keeps essentially indefinitely as long as it is stored in a cool, dry place out of the light.
Health Benefits of Rum Extract
Below are some of the many health benefits of rum, since rum extract is derived from real rum, one can benefit from this goody list.
- Healthy Heart: Rum consumption can give you a healthy and strong heart. Also, it decreases cholesterol levels in the body.
- Common Cold: Consuming a small portion of rum can give relief to your sore throat. This is due to rum’s high antibacterial properties, which helps cure colds effectively.
- Diabetes: It is often said that drinking a tablespoon of rum every day lowers blood sugar.
- Reduces the risk of Mental Disease: Rum can be great for preventing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Cancer Prevention: Research has also shown the health benefits of rum consumption in helping prevent thyroid cancer and lymphoma.
Rum Extract Substitutes
Rum extract is a popular ingredient used for cooked and baked dishes. They can give a unique taste to desserts, brownies, cupcakes, puddings, and banana bread. Some savory dishes call for rum extract but it isn’t common. However, if you need rum extract for a recipe and you don’t have it at home, you can still find a way to succeed.
Rum
Despite many people think rum extract is not identical to rum. Rum is an alcoholic drink, while rum extract is a cooking ingredient made from rum. Most recipes suggest using rum extract but because their flavor is similar you can easily replace rum extract with rum. It works well in tiramisu and brownie recipes. Instead of 1 tablespoon of rum extract, you can add 3 tablespoons of light rum or 2,5 tablespoons of dark rum.
Vanilla Extract
If you prefer to use extract instead of liqueur, vanilla extract could be a suitable option for you. It is very easy to find even in local stores. If you don’t use it too much, you can even buy it in a very small quantity for a low price. Non-alcoholic varieties are also available. Just like rum extract, vanilla extract also gives your food a unique flavor. It goes well with cookies, cakes, and pies. Use the same amount as you would with rum extract.
Coffee Fruit Extract
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the equivalent of rum?
Options for replacing rum include brandy, gin, sherry, or orange liqueur. Cognac works well as a substitute for rum in a mixed drink or punch. Tequila may be used as a substitute for rum but will change the flavor of the drink significantly.
What does rum do in baking?
Baking with booze—such as bourbon, rum, port, and vodka—can add additional flavor, texture and even change the consistency of many baked goods. Take pie dough, for example, adding a splash of vodka produces a super flakey dough and develops less gluten in the dough than water.
Can you substitute white rum for dark rum in baking?
Yes, but you may get a slightly different flavor, and certainly a different color in the final dish. Many times, white rum is specified so as not to change the color, so you have to decide if this is an acceptable change for whatever you are making.
Conclusion
Rum extract is a popular ingredient used for cooked and baked dishes. And especially used in cocktails and other forms of drinks mixtures. If you need rum extract for a recipe and you don’t have it at home, do consider the substitutes in this article, they are super easy to apply and need no extra skill.
