Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a rich and nutritious cooking oil derived from the pulp of the avocado fruit. Rich in health-promoting monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, virgin avocado oil is quickly becoming a preferred ingredient in kitchens across the world. In some parts of the world it is still largely unknown and yet, it is one of the healthiest cooking oils around.
Contrary to most other cooking oils, avocado oil has a very mild flavor and is naturally light green in color. Due to its neutral flavor, it is great for salads and marinades, but it can also be used for medium-high heat cooking such as sautéing, roasting, and baking.
The great majority of the healthiness of this oil comes from its high content of beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid, which has been found to protect against coronary disease. Monounsaturated fats have also been found to reduce cholesterol levels in the body and promote healthy, youthful skin.
In addition to its monounsaturated fatty composition, avocado oil also contains vitamins A, D, and E. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy eyesight, skin, and teeth and can help ward off receding gums, mouth sores, and rugged cuticles. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for strong bones, proper brain and nerve development, and for maintaining healthy muscles and organs. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect against inflammation and cell damage, and has been linked with producing anti-aging benefits.
The nutrient profile of avocado oil makes it a great choice for cooking but it can also be used topically on the skin. When applied directly to the skin or scalp, it is said to help retain moisture and attack dryness, reducing the signs of aging. It is also great for massage because it absorbs well and creates a slippery, protective barrier.
To extract avocado oil, the pulp of the avocado is cold-pressed, leaving an oil that is both unfiltered and unprocessed. The oil is high in oleic acid, particularly the unrefined, extra-virgin oil. Refined avocados oil is made from the same fruit, but it has higher smoke points than the virgin version making it easier to cook with.
Avocado oil can be found in many local grocery stores, although availability may vary by region. Most health food stores, organic shops, and stores that specialize in organic products will likely have it in stock.
As a cooking oil, avocado oil can be used as a safe, healthy alternative to vegetable oils, butter, and other animal fats. It has a light, pleasant taste and is relativelyheat stable, making it a great choice for pan searing and grilling. It can also be used for low-medium heat baking and frying.
Avocado oil has numerous health benefits backed by science, making it a great choice for health-conscious individuals. Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, and other powerful antioxidants, it is an excellent oil to use in the kitchen and topically on the skin. You can find it in any health food store or specialty shop, or even at some mainstream grocery stores. So, next time you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious cooking oil, consider avocado oil.
It’s important to understand the journey that a food product travels from seed to plate in order to appreciate the hard work and resources put into its production. This post is dedicated to explaining how Avocado Oil makes its way from an avocado orchard all the way to your plate.
What Is Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil is an edible oil extracted from the pulp of the avocado fruit. It’s a popular oil with health benefits, and is an important ingredient in many cuisines for cooking, baking, and salad dressings. Avocado oil contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, may help to lower cholesterol, and is rich in vitamins E, A, and D. (1)
Production and Harvesting of Avocado Fruit
The production and harvesting of avocados begin in the orchard. The avocado tree grows best in warm and humid climates, so orchards are often found near the equator in warmer parts of the world, such as Central and South America, Mexico, and Florida.
Avocado trees require a long growing season and can take anywhere from 5 to 10 years after planting before they begin to produce. Once the tree begins to produce, the fruit is harvested by hand or mechanically with specially designed harvesters. Many growers use nets to protect the fruits from birds and other pests. The harvested fruits are then brought to the processing plant where they are sorted and graded by size, color, and maturity. (2)
Extraction of Avocado Oil
Once the avocados have been sorted and graded, they can then be processed into oil. Commonly, the oil is extracted through two different methods: mechanical pressing and solvent extraction.
Mechanical pressing involves pressing the pulp of the avocado fruit to extract the oil. This method of extraction is often used by small-scale producers, as it produces a pure, high-quality oil but at a cost of reduced yield.
In solvent extraction, on the other hand, hexane is used to extract the oil from the Avocado paste. This method chemically separates the oil from the pulpy fruit and is carried out on a larger scale than mechanical pressing, as it results in higher yields. This method of extraction also leaves very little of the oil’s nutrients intact, and can potentially produce a low-quality oil. (3)
Refining of Avocado Oil
The oil from either of these extraction methods is then transferred to a refinery, where it is subjected to further processing. The oil is heated in order to evaporate impurities, followed by filtration to remove any remaining solids. This process helps to improve the quality of the oil and ensures a longer shelf life.
The refining process may also involve the introduction of other natural oils, such as sunflower oil, in order to improve the flavor and smell of the oil. Finally, the oil is stored in tanks until it is ready to be bottled and shipped to final destinations. (4)
Packaging and Shipping of Avocado Oil
Once the oil is processed and packaged, it is ready to be shipped to its destination. Avocado oil is typically packaged in bottles, jars, or tins, depending on the manufacturer’s preference. To ensure safe transportation, shipping containers are loaded onto trucks or trains which take the oil to its destination. Once it arrives, it is distributed to stores where it can be purchased. (5)
How Is Avocado Oil Used?
Avocado oil is incredibly versatile and can be used in many different ways. It can be used in cooking, baking, dressings, and sauces. The oil has a mild and nutty flavor, which makes it perfect for a variety of dishes. It can be used to sauté vegetables or to marinate meat and fish, or even as a topping for salads and tacos. It can also be used as a substitute for butter or margarine in many recipes. (6)
Conclusion
Avocado oil is a healthy oil that is packed with nutrients and can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. From the orchard to your dinner plate, it has gone through an extensive journey full of harvesting, production, and shipping. Everyone involved in the process from the grower to the consumer plays an important role in making sure that the end product is of the highest and safest quality possible.
| Total Sugars | 0.131141 grams |
per 100g
|
| Palmitic acid (16:0) | 10.9 grams |
|
| Stearic acid (18:0) | 0.66 grams |
|
| Total Saturated fatty acids: | 11.56 g | |
| Oleic acid (18:1) | 67.89 grams |
|
| Palmitoleic acid (16:1) | 2.67 grams |
|
| Total Monounsaturated fatty acids: | 70.56 g | |
| Linolenic acid (18:3) | 0.96 grams |
|
| Linoleic acid (18:2) | 12.53 grams |
|
| Total Polyunsaturated fatty acids: | 13.49 g | |
