How to Make Avocado Oil at Home from Scratch | Cold Pressed

Avocado oil is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen and beauty routine. Store-bought avocado oil can be quite expensive, but did you know you can make it at home? Here’s a simple guide to making cold-pressed avocado oil from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 ripe avocados (the more avocados, the more oil you’ll extract)
• A muslin cloth or fine mesh sieve
• A bowl
• A spoon or spatula
• A blender or food processor

Method:

1. Pick the Right Avocados
   Choose ripe but not overripe avocados. They should be soft to the touch but not mushy. The richer the avocado, the more oil you will extract.
2. Prepare the Avocados
   Slice the avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh into a blender or food processor.
3. Blend the Avocado
   Blend the avocado flesh into a smooth, creamy consistency. The smoother it is, the easier it will be to extract the oil. You may need to pause the blending process to scrape down the sides of the blender.
4. Dehydrate the Avocado Paste
   To extract the oil, you’ll first need to dehydrate the avocado paste. Spread the blended avocado evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
   Air drying method: If you prefer a truly cold-pressed method, air-dry the avocado paste for 2-3 days in a well-ventilated area.
   Oven method: Alternatively, you can speed up the process by using a low oven setting (around 104°F/40°C) and drying the avocado for 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even drying.
5. Extract the Oil
   Once the paste is completely dry and dark in color, place it inside a muslin cloth or fine mesh sieve. Twist the cloth and squeeze firmly to extract the oil into a bowl. You can also press it with a spoon or spatula to extract as much oil as possible.
6. Let the Oil Settle
   After pressing, allow the oil to sit for a few hours. This allows any avocado pulp remnants to settle at the bottom, leaving clear oil on top.
7. Store Your Avocado Oil
   Carefully pour the oil into a clean glass bottle or jar. Be sure to leave any sediment behind. Store the oil in a cool, dark place, and it should last for about 2-3 months.

Uses and Benefits of Cold-Pressed Avocado Oil:

• Cooking: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying, sautéing, or baking.
• Salads: Its rich, buttery flavor makes it an excellent salad dressing base.
• Skincare: Packed with vitamins A, D, and E, it nourishes and moisturizes skin. Use it as a natural moisturizer or massage oil.
• Haircare: Apply avocado oil to your scalp and hair to promote healthy growth and shine.

Conclusion:

Making your own cold-pressed avocado oil at home is not only rewarding but also ensures you have a pure and natural product free from additives. With just a few simple steps, you can harness the power of this nutrient-rich oil for both your kitchen and beauty routine. Enjoy the benefits of homemade avocado oil today!