Avocado oil

Common Name: Avocado oil

Botanical Name: Persea americana

Other Names: Alligator Pear, Aguacate, Palta.

Introduction

Derived from the fruit of the Avocado plant (Persea americana), avocado oil is essentially an edible oil. The tree is a central Mexico native, belonging to the Lauraceae family of flowering plants. Also known as alligator pear, the fruit of the tree is the source of the oil. Botanically speaking, it is a large berry consisting of a single seed.

The fruit turns from green to brown on ripening. Avocado oil is not obtained from the seed, but from the pulp of the fruit by the method of cold centrifugation of the crushed pulp. The oil is rich in potassium, mono-saturated fats, and Vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.

Uses of Avocado oil

Aromatherapy: Used in aromatherapy massage applications, the fruit oil is considered good carrier oil for the essential oils.

Medicinal uses: The oil nourishes the skin, protects it against ageing, and is used in the treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. For its amazing emollient properties, the oil can be used on mature skins. The oil is high in plant steroids or sterolins, which is the reason why it can actively reduce age spots.

Nutritional value: The high concentration of mono saturated fatty acids in avocado oil makes it ideal for a healthy diet. The very high smoke point (520 degree Fahrenheit) of the oil makes it popular for use in pan-frying, barbecue, roasting or any other high heat cooking methods. It is also used in salad dressing due to the emerald green color of the oil.