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
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Source | Persea americana fruit |
| Top Extraction | Malaxation + centrifugation (cold-pressed)68 |
| Key Fatty Acids | Oleic (65–70%), linoleic (10–15%), palmitic (14–20%) |
| Bioactives | Carotenoids, vitamin E, chlorophyll |
| Culinary Uses | Frying, dressings, baking |
| Health Benefits | Heart health, antioxidant, skin/hair repair |
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