Avocado oil is prized for its numerous health benefits and versatile uses in the kitchen and beauty routines. But did you know you can make it at home using fresh avocados? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own avocado oil from scratch, using two simple methods.
Method 1: Avocado Oil Extraction Using Heat
This method uses low heat to extract the oil from the avocado flesh. It’s a great way to get started with homemade avocado oil, especially if you’re looking for a quicker process.
Ingredients:
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5-6 ripe avocados
Instructions:
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Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh. Use a spoon to make this process easier.
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Blend the Avocado Flesh: Place the avocado flesh into a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste.
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Cook the Avocado Paste: Transfer the avocado paste to a large saucepan. Heat it on low and stir continuously to avoid burning. As the paste heats up, you’ll notice the oil starting to separate from the avocado. This process takes about 30-45 minutes.
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Strain the Oil: Once you see the oil separating from the avocado, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool slightly. Then, use a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to strain the oil into a jar, squeezing out as much oil as possible.
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Store the Oil: Pour the extracted oil into a clean, airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place. Your homemade avocado oil is now ready to use!
Method 2: Cold-Press Avocado Oil Extraction
For those who prefer to keep the oil raw and unheated, the cold-press method is a great alternative. This method preserves the nutrients in the oil, but it requires a bit more time and effort.
Ingredients:
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5-6 ripe avocados
Instructions:
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Dry the Avocados: Start by scooping out the avocado flesh and spreading it out on a large tray. Allow the avocado flesh to dry out either in the sun or in a low-temperature oven (about 120°F) for 5-7 hours until it’s completely dry and shriveled.
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Blend the Dried Avocados: Once the avocado flesh is dry, place it into a blender or food processor. Blend until it becomes a crumbly texture.
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Press the Oil: Place the crumbled avocado into a muslin cloth or cheesecloth, and twist the cloth to squeeze out the oil. You may need to press and twist firmly to extract the maximum amount of oil. This method takes some patience but yields high-quality, raw avocado oil.
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Store the Oil: Pour the oil into a clean jar or bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. The cold-pressed oil will have a fresh, green color and can be used in cooking or for beauty purposes.
Benefits of Homemade Avocado Oil:
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High in healthy fats: Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
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Great for cooking: With a high smoke point, avocado oil is perfect for frying, sautéing, and baking.
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Skincare: It’s a fantastic natural moisturizer and can be used for softening skin and hair.
By making avocado oil at home, you get pure, additive-free oil that’s perfect for cooking or personal care. Give it a try, and you’ll never need to buy store-bought again!
