Walnut oil is a natural oil extracted from walnuts which are also known as Juglans Regia. The oil is extracted by pressing the walnut shells and seeds. Walnut oil is a unsaturated fatty oil with a light aroma and mild flavor. This oil is well known in many parts of the world and is used both in the kitchen and in cosmetics.
When using walnut oil in the kitchen, one must pay attention to when the oil is used. Walnut oil has a high smoke point of around 400°F, so it can tolerate light cooking but is not ideal for deep frying because it breaks down when exposed to higher temperatures. In recipes that require light cooking, like salads and dressings, walnut oil adds a nutty flavor to the dish. It is also a popular ingredient in marinades, sauces, and even desserts.
When it comes to health benefits, walnut oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from conditions such as arthritis and asthma, as Omega-3s can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Walnut oil is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help fight off free radicals in the body and neutralize their effects on the body.
Walnut oil is also becoming increasingly popular in the cosmetics industry. It is frequently found in soaps, creams, lotions and facial masks. This oil is quickly absorbed by the skin and is a great moisturizer. It contains nutrients like vitamin E and fatty acids, which are known to reduce wrinkles, fight acne and hydrate the skin. The antioxidants in walnut oil help to protect the skin from environmental damage. This oil is also often used as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils, especially when used in aromatherapy.
Walnut oil can also be used as a massage oil, as it penetrates the skin easily and helps to relieve sore muscles. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and tension after a strenuous workout or strenuous activity. Walnut oil can also be used as a natural remedy to help soothe eczema and psoriasis, two common skin conditions.
Overall, walnut oil is a very versatile oil that can be used in the kitchen and for other purposes like cosmetics and massage. Its health benefits make it a particularly beneficial oil for anyone looking for natural ways to improve their health and skin. When buying walnut oil, it is important to look for a cold-pressed variety, as this will ensure the oil has retained its healthy qualities. It is also important to remember that walnut oil can break down when exposed to high temperatures, so it is important to pay attention to the cooking temperature when using this oil in the kitchen.
Creating Walnut Oil and the Journey to Your Dinner Plate
Walnuts are a nutritious powerhouse that have found their way into many dishes, whether as a nut, nut butter, or walnut oil. With its nutty aroma and unique flavor, walnut oil is a favorite among many chefs. Have you ever wondered how this oil makes its way to your dinner table? As it turns out, the journey of walnut oil is an intricate process that is dependent on many interconnected steps.
Walnut oil is primarily derived from two types of walnut: English (also known as Persian) walnuts and Black Walnuts. English walnuts tend to be lighter in color and slightly sweeter than the black variety, which has a stronger, more complex flavor. Both types of walnuts are mainly grown in the US and are hand-harvested by shaking the branches of trees in late September through November.
Once picked, the walnuts are quickly shelled and processed to remove potential contaminants and prevent spoilage. The next step in the process is to dry the walnuts, either in the sun or using a mechanical drying process. Sun drying the walnuts is the preferred method as it results in a higher-grade oil. However, it demands close monitoring of moisture levels, temperature and humidity.
Once the walnuts are dried, they are either “cold-pressed” or “expelled” to extract the oil. The cold-pressing method us involves extreme heat and pressure to force out the oil, while the expelling method grinds the walnuts into paste before using high-pressure steam to separate the oil. The cold-pressing technique produces higher-quality oil but yields a smaller volume than the expelling process, making the latter more cost-effective.
The next phase of the journey deals with filtration. Filtration removes any excess impurities, including unwanted particles and bacteria, from the crude walnut oil. There are two filtration methods for walnut oil - sieve filtration, in which a series of screens are used to separate the impurities from the product, and centrifugal filtration, which uses centrifugal force to separate the impurities. After filtration, the oil is gently heated to remove any residual water, leaving behind only the pure, golden-brown walnut oil.
Finally, the walnut oil is packed into barrels, tins, and bottles and shipped to stores and restaurants where they will be used in various recipes. Most of these bottles and tins of walnut oil spent several weeks waiting in warehouses and on the shelves of stores before they are eventually purchased by consumers or chefs.
Once purchased, walnut oil can be used in many delicious recipes. It can be used as a healthy substitution for other oils in baking, frying, roasting and sautéing. It can also be used as a finishing oil to enhance the flavor of savory dishes like salads, pasta, and vegetables. The oil can also be used for a variety of cosmetic and medicinal applications.
Thanks to the intricate process that walnut oil has to go through before it lands in your shopping cart, you can be sure that you are getting a safe and high-quality product with every purchase. From picking to filtration and packaging, walnut oil is a complex product that serves as an essential ingredient in a variety of dishes. Enjoy its flavor next time you whip up a delicious meal – you know it has been through an intensive journey just to end up on your dinner plate.
References
1. How does Walnut Oil Get to a Dinner Plate? - 12/18/2018 – Healthy Living. https://planethealthyliving.com/walnut-oil-get-dinner-plate/
2. Walnuts | Features | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/features/walnuts/index.html
3. NATURAL WALNUT OIL – SCS WORLD WIDE-SCS WORLD WIDE DRIED FRUITS. https://www.scsworldwide.com/natural-walnut-oil/
4. Walnut Oil – Nuts.com. https://nuts.com/cookingbaking/oils/walnut-oil.html
5. Walnut Oil – Uses, Health Benefits and Recipe Tips – E.D. Smith Foods. https://www.edsmithfoods.com/our-food/promotions/tips-usage/1771-walnut-oil-uses-health-benefits-recipe-tips
Vitamin E | 0.4 mg | |
Vitamin K | 0.015 mg | |
Vitamin B4 | 0.4 mg |
Total Sugars | 0 ug |
per 100g
|
Palmitic acid (16:0) | 7. grams |
|
Stearic acid (18:0) | 2. grams |
|
Total Saturated fatty acids: | 9 g | |
Oleic acid (18:1) | 22.2 grams |
|
Palmitoleic acid (16:1) | 0.1 grams |
|
Gadoleic acid (20:1) | 0.4 grams |
|
Total Monounsaturated fatty acids: | 22.7 g | |
Linolenic acid (18:3) | 10.4 grams |
|
Linoleic acid (18:2) | 52.9 grams |
|
Total Polyunsaturated fatty acids: | 63.3 g | |
Phytosterols | 0.18 grams |
|
Total Sterols: | 0.18 g |