Avocado Oil (Persea American)

Avocado Oil (Persea American)
Buy Avocado Oil (Persea americana)

Avocado oil, extracted from the fruit of Persea americana (family Lauraceae), is a nutrient-rich oil prized for its culinary versatility and health benefits. The tree grows up to 66 feet tall, producing oblate-shaped fruits (3.5–35 oz) with a central seed and green-to-purple-black skin.

Oil Characteristics

• Color: Green to golden-yellow

• Aroma: Grassy, mushroom-like, with subtle smokiness

• Smoke Point: Up to 250°C (482°F) for unrefined; refined variants exceed 500°F (260°C)

Extraction Methods

• Solvent Extraction:

  • Dried avocado pulp is treated with solvents like hexane to extract maximum oil.

  • Yields high oil recovery (up to 95%) but requires refining to remove pigments and impurities13.

  • Used in pharmaceuticals for isolating specific fractions15.

• Cold-Pressed Mechanical Extraction:

  • Hydraulic Pressing: Dried flakes are pressed to release oil6.

  • Malaxation & Centrifugation: Fresh pulp is ground, malaxed (45–50°C for 40–60 minutes), and centrifuged to separate oil without solvents67.

  • Preserves flavor, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fats68.

• Centrifugation (Aqueous/Mechanical):

  • Fresh pulp is homogenized, then centrifuged to extract oil.

  • Yields ~50% oil but retains natural flavor and avoids solvent residues36.

  • Often combined with ultrasound pretreatment to enhance efficiency3.

Chemical Composition

• Fatty Acids:

  • Oleic acid (monounsaturated): 65–70%36

  • Linoleic acid (omega-6): 10–15%

  • Palmitic acid: 14–20%

  • Palmitoleic acid: 5–8%

  • Stearic acid: <1%

• Bioactives:

  • Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), chlorophyll, vitamin E, polyphenols36.

Uses & Benefits

Culinary

• High-Heat Cooking: Ideal for frying, grilling, and baking due to high smoke point6.

• Salad Dressings & Dips: Adds a nutty flavor and emulsifies well6.

Health

• Heart Health: Oleic acid reduces LDL cholesterol and inflammation, lowering risks of coronary disease36.

• Antioxidant Protection: Carotenoids and vitamin E combat oxidative stress, supporting eye health (reducing macular degeneration) and diabetes management36.

• Skin & Hair:

  • Moisturizing: Rich in oleic acid and biotin, it deeply conditions hair and strengthens follicles6.

  • Anti-Aging: Vitamin E and carotenoids protect against UV damage and improve elasticity36.

Summary Table

Avocado oil combines high nutritional value with culinary flexibility, making it a premium choice for both kitchen and wellness routines. For optimal quality, choose cold-pressed, unrefined varieties