Best Avocado Oils Buying Guide
Clean eating has become the primary focus of health-conscious people. Avocado oil has become a staple of keto meals, salads, sandwiches, and other healthy meals, owing to its culinary applications. Moreover, this oil is also perfect for people who like to take good care of their skin. Thus, there's no wonder why it has become prevalent in the food and cosmetic industries.
Before your rush to purchase a bottle of avocado oil, you should take a look at some factors as there is a difference between cosmetic-grade and food-grade oil, although some are ideal for both applications. Below, we will walk you through all the important information to help you get your hands on the best avocado oil for your intended use.
What Factors Should You Consider While Looking For the Best Avocado Oil?
Refined or Unrefined
The unrefined avocado oil is mechanically filtered after extraction to eliminate impurities. However, it remains intact even after filtration, so it doesn’t lose its flavor. That’s why this oil is ideal for dressing salads, pasta, and other cooked foods. The only downfall of unrefined oil is that that it has a low smoke point of 375ºF.
Refined oil, on the other hand, is bleached with chemicals after extraction. Thus, it loses a little taste and nutrients. However, this multi-purpose oil is suitable for stir-frying and baking at high temperatures because of its higher smoke point.
Nowadays, avocado oil is produced through a new process call natural refining, which allows manufacturers to refine oil mechanically instead of using chemicals. This process doesn’t let the oil lose as many benefits as conventional refining does.
Cold-Pressed or Expeller-Pressed
Expeller-pressed avocado oil is derived from squeezing avocados without using chemicals or heat, although the friction created during the process generates some heat. Therefore, oil extracted through expeller pressing has a softer taste and loses its original color and nutritional value.
However, cold-pressing is the same process executed in a temperature-controlled setting, nearly around 120°F. The avocado oil doesn’t lose a lot of flavor, taste, and nutritional value through this process.
Food-Grade or Cosmetic Grade
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves food-grade avocado oil for ingestion, which is usually cold-pressed. Food-grade oil is also suitable for skin and hair.
Cosmetic-grade oil, on the other hand, is not inspected by the FDA, so they are not ideal for ingestion. However, this oil is perfect for hair and skincare use because it is free of toxins and impurities.
Unfiltered Oil
Unfiltered oil undergoes a racking process through which most particles are eliminated in a clarifier. The clarifier is a settling tank that allows gravity to eradicate solid particles, eliminating the need for filtration. After this process, there may still be some residual fruit particles, which makes the oil look more cloudy. Though unfiltered oil comes with a shorter shelf life, most people prefer its pure flavor over its filtered counterpart.
Organic Oil
Basically, no chemicals are used during the processing of organic avocado oils, making them safer. Certified organic means that the product is grown 100% naturally, without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals.
Packaging
Since light exposure can affect the nutritional value of avocado oil, make sure to purchase the oil packaged in bottles or tins that are tinted or UV-protected.
Cost
The cost of avocado oils ranges from $5 to $25, depending on their quality. However, some high-quality organic packaging can cost you around $40. So, spend on the product that is suitable for your intended use.
Final Words
We can’t deny the fact that avocado oil is replacing other cooking oils in your kitchens. Whether you want to cook food or dress dishes, this multipurpose oil is the best choice due to its beneficial nutritional content, high smoke point, and low amount of saturated fat. We hope our review on the seven best avocado oils and the nuggets of information persuade you to switch from other oils to healthier avocado oil.
Avocado Oil FAQ
How should I store food-grade avocado oil?
You can store opened food-grade avocado oil in a refrigerator. However, the unopened packaging can be stored in a dark, dry place like a pantry.
Can I use avocado oil on my face?
Yes, you can use avocado oil on your face because it is rich in fatty acids and deeply moisturizes your skin. Its other nutrients like potassium and vitamin E will also enhance your skin's appearance. Incorporating it into your skincare routine will help you reverse the signs of aging and nourish your skin like never before.
Does avocado oil raise cholesterol?
Avocado oil has high monounsaturated fats that not only reduce bad cholesterol but also increase good cholesterol in your body. Avocado oil has actually been proven to be as healthy as olive oil.
How long does a bottle of avocado oil last?
Generally, an avocado oil bottle lasts for 6-12 months. An unopened bottle stored in a dark place has a lifetime of a year or so, while an opened one lasts for up to 8 months. Keep in mind if your oil seems too sticky or loses its flavor, then it is no longer suitable for consumption. Discard it right away!
Does avocado oil clog pores?
If you have oily skin, then avocado oil might clog your pores. However, this product is perfect for people that have dry skin and looking for a natural moisturizer. Its hydrating and pore-clogging properties will amaze dry skin beauties. This oil can also help them get rid of redness and improve their skin texture.