Making avocado oil at home is a rewarding process that allows you to create a pure, natural product without additives. Although extracting oil at home does not usually yield the same concentration of oil as commercial processes, you can still produce a usable oil that’s great for cooking and cosmetic purposes. Here’s how you can make avocado oil from scratch at home:

Equipment Needed:

• Oven

• Blender or food processor

• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

• Bowl

• Spoon

• Jar for storage

Ingredients:

• Ripe avocados (the number depends on how much oil you want to produce)

Steps to Make Avocado Oil:

1. Prepare the Avocados:

   • Wash the avocados thoroughly.

   • Cut them in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh.

2. Purée the Avocado Flesh:

   • Place the avocado flesh in a blender or food processor.

   • Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. The smoother the mixture, the easier it will be to extract the oil.

3. Heat the Purée:

   • Spread the avocado purée evenly onto a baking sheet.

   • Place in an oven preheated to about 200°F (93°C). The low heat will slowly draw out the oil while preserving its nutrients.

   • Heat for about 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until you see oil collecting on the surface of the purée.

4. Extract the Oil:

   • Remove the heated purée from the oven and let it cool.

   • Spoon the avocado mixture into a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth placed over a bowl.

   • Press and squeeze the purée to extract the oil. You can also let it hang and drip for several hours to ensure maximum oil extraction.

5. Store the Oil:

   • Pour the extracted oil into a clean jar.

   • Seal the jar and store your homemade avocado oil in a cool, dark place.

Tips for Making Avocado Oil:

• Choose the Right Avocados: Use ripe avocados that are soft to the touch but not overripe or bruised.

• Purée Processing: Ensure the purée is as smooth as possible to facilitate easier oil extraction.

• Temperature Control: Keep the oven at low heat to prevent burning the avocado and to preserve the oil’s nutritional quality.

• Storage: Homemade avocado oil does not contain preservatives, so it should be used within a few days to a week, kept refrigerated to extend its shelf life.

Uses of Homemade Avocado Oil:

• Cooking: Use it for cooking or as a salad dressing.

• Skin Care: Apply it as a natural moisturizer or a base for essential oils.

• Hair Care: Use it as a hair mask to nourish and strengthen hair.

Making avocado oil at home can be a fun and practical way to use excess avocados. While this method may not produce oil that’s as refined as store-bought versions, it provides a satisfying and all-natural oil that’s versatile and healthy.