Category: Natural oils

For thousands of years, acorn oil was a staple for indigenous peoples, especially in North America, who utilized the abundant nuts from oak trees as a food source. Today, this ancient edible oil is experiencing a renaissance, celebrated for its unique flavor and remarkable health benefits, which rival those of more common culinary oils.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, flax has been cultivated for over 6,000 years, and its seeds produce an oil known by several names depending on its use and cultural context. So, is alsi ka tel the same as flaxseed oil? Yes, they are derived from the same plant, but the names often denote different processing and purposes.

The term "oil filled melon" refers to a botanical misnomer, as the oil is actually extracted from the seeds of the Kalahari melon, a resilient wild watermelon from southern Africa. This cold-pressed oil is a powerhouse of nutrients, prized for its extensive cosmetic and health benefits.

Just like other plant-based oils, kukui nut oil will eventually go rancid due to its high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, its shelf life and freshness can be significantly extended with proper storage techniques. Understanding the factors that cause kukui nut oil to spoil is the key to preserving its potent moisturizing and soothing benefits.

With a typical oleic acid content ranging from 62% to over 80%, sweet almond oil is unequivocally high in this monounsaturated fatty acid. This rich composition makes it a popular emollient, providing deep moisturizing and softening benefits for both skin and hair.

Derived from the nuts of the Corylus avellana tree, hazel oil is a light, fragrant oil with a unique chemical profile. Known for its remarkable moisturizing properties and fast absorption, hazel oil offers a versatile range of applications beyond its famously delicious flavor, including in high-end skincare and haircare routines. But what is hazel oil exactly and what can it do for you?

An oil's classification as drying, semi-drying, or non-drying is determined by its polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. Due to its high saturated fat content, coconut oil is a non-drying oil that remains a liquid on the skin's surface, acting as an occlusive barrier to lock in moisture.

Argan oil, often called 'liquid gold,' is a highly prized natural oil, with production requiring a massive amount of labor to extract just one liter. This intensive process naturally leads many to question: Is argan oil considered a seed oil?

While the names sound similar, confusing sweet almond oil with 'regular' almond oil (which can be bitter almond oil) could be dangerous, as bitter almonds contain toxic compounds like amygdalin. This distinction is critical for safety and proper use, especially in skincare and cooking.

Extracted from the kernel of the oil palm fruit, a fact that differentiates it from standard palm oil which comes from the fruit’s flesh, palm kernel oil is a highly saturated, versatile ingredient. Known for its mild, nutty scent and solid consistency at room temperature, its applications range widely across cooking, cosmetics, and industrial uses.