Red Oak

Red oak (Quercus rubra) is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Its wood is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. In food, oak extract is sometimes used for flavoring.

Oak extract can impart a woody, smoky, or tannic flavor to foods and beverages. It is sometimes used in processed meats, sauces, and alcoholic beverages to mimic the effects of aging in oak barrels.

Oak extract is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring agent. It is not typically consumed in large quantities, and no specific health concerns have been raised at levels found in food. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated food additives, but specific evaluations for oak extract's use as a flavoring are not widely publicized.