Say Hello to Avocado Oil

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Did you know that in addition to our heavenly olive oils, we also carry avocado oil? It tastes great, offers health benefits, and makes a great cooking oil.

Our avocado oil comes from avocados grown in the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Africa. The oil is extracted by pure expeller pressing of the pulp from ripe avocados. The pressed oil is green to reddish brown in color. It is then refined to decrease the amount of free fatty acids and give the oil a neutral flavor and color. The resulting oil tastes smooth and acts an ideal carrier for other flavors.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of avocado oil are mainly due to the high content of monounsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid. One tablespoon of avocado oil contains 10 grams of monounsaturated fat, 1.9 grams of polyunsaturated fat, and 1.6 grams of saturated fat (14 gm total fat). Monounsaturated fats have been shown to promote healthy cholesterol levels.

Avocado oil is also a good source of vitamin E and lutein. Lutein is an antioxidant important for healthy eyes. Studies show that another extract from avocados, unsaponifiables, may reduce pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis and prevent gum disease. Also, avocado oil increases the absorption of carotenoids.

Great for Cooking

Monounsaturated fats also help protect avocado oil from breakdown when heated. Therefore, avocado oil has an unusually high smoke point, which makes it perfect for baking, stir fries, deep frying, searing, BBQ, roasting, and sautéing. Smoke point is the temperature at which a bluish smoke becomes clearly visible when an oil is heated. This is the limit at which it can be used. The smoke point for avocado oil is ~480º F for unrefined oil and up to 520º F for refined avocado oil.

Easy to Use

The neutral, yet rich taste of avocado oil make it easy to add to almost any dish. Here are a few ways to use it:

— add to smoothies
— use in salad dressings
— use in marinades
— for baking
— to make homemade mayonnaise
— for roasting vegetables
— drizzled over hummus, pizza, popcorn, or toast
— for dipping crusty bread

Try these two easy recipes to get started with avocado oil. We know you’re going to love it.

Quick and Easy Mayonnaise

1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup avocado oil

Mix egg yolk, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl. Slowly add avocado oil while whisking. Continue to whisk until desired consistency.

Avocado Salsa

2 avocados, chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, minced
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Can be made up to four hours in advance. Chill in refrigerator until serving.

What are your favorite ways to use avocado oil?