Using an oil press to make your own oils has many advantages, with the most important being that you know exactly what is in the oil. By pressing your own oils you are completely in control of what goes into your oil. Make pure oil with no preservatives and without alterations to the chemical structure.
There are a variety of nuts and seeds that you can extract oil from, each with their own culinary uses and nutritional values. You can use these oils to support your health and well being as well as to enhance your cooking.
Home-pressed oils vs. Store-bought oils
To reduce their intensity and create larger quantities, most oils have are diluted with vegetable oils or cheaper oils. If you take a look at the ingredients of most oils you will notice they are not 100% pure. By pressing your own oils you can create 100% pure oil without dilution.
Make only as much as you need. When pressing your own oil you can make the oil just before using it - resulting in fresh oil every time. The oil will be noticeably richer, flavoursome and fuller tasting, and as a result you will most likely use less oil than you would normally.
By consuming the oil fresh, there is little to none oxidisation therefore the nutrients and enzymes remain intact. It is worth noting that without the added preservatives, some fresh pressed monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oil will not last very long on the shelf. It is therefore best to make as much as you need without the oil turning rancid.
How does oil pressing work?
Expeller pressing is the method of extracting oil with a mechanical press rather than using a chemical extraction process.
The expeller press is a screw type machine which presses the nuts and seeds through a barrel and creates friction and pressure to compress the ingredients. The oil falls through small openings while pulp is expelled separately.
This results in a clean oil, higher in natural colours and flavours. The resulting oils are the more expensive options found in health food stores, which have most likely been extracted using this method.
What can you make with your home extracted oil?
You can use your home pressed natural nut and seed oils for frying, baking or to add flavour to a variety of foods, such as:
- Salad Dressings
- Marinades
- Cakes
- Breads
- Dips
- Pesto
- Seasoning for steamed vegetables or fish
Nutritional benefits of cold pressed oil
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT
HEALTH AND HEALING
CULINARY USES
SMOKE POINT
Almond
Vitamin E, monounsaturated
fatty acids, proteins, potassium, zinc
Hypoallergenic properties. Uses: skin cleansing, removing dark circles around eyes, relieving Eczema & Psoriasis, reducing fine lines & repair collagen, treatment of stretch marks, massaged topically for muscle relief
Marinades, salad dressings, great in
smoothies due to its subtle taste
Medium
Brazil
Selenium, high in Ellagic Acid & Zinc, Vitamins A & E, magnesium & thiamine. Contains ALL essential minerals
Antioxidants in these nuts have the ability to support healthy thyroid function. Improves elasticity of skin & treats acne & skin dryness
Strong nutty flavour. Best for: dips, salad dressings
Low
Cashew
Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin E
Anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties. Uses: supports eye health & regulates Cholesterol levels. Can be applied topically to warts or to treat scalp infections
Perfect for cooking, dips & salad dressings
Low
Hazelnuts
High in Linoleic acid, rich in folate, Vitamin E, B-Complex vitamins & various minerals particularly copper
Uses: Oily skin remedy, lubricant for shaving, natural sunscreen
Hazelnut oil is luscious & fragrant. Best for: dressings & baking. Great alternative to olive oil in Pesto
Medium
Hemp Seeds
Omega-6 (GLA) to Omega-3 (SDA) essential fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid, which eventually converts to the hormone prostaglandin PGE1 which regulates hormone balance & supports menopausal health. Great for vegetarians due to balance of Omega fatty acids
Pleasant nutty
flavour. Best for: smoothies, shakes, vegetables, pasta, salads & dressings. Not for heating
Low
Linseed / Flaxseed
Alpha-linolenic acid
Natural laxative, Uses: colon
cleansing, supports growth of healthy hair, skin & nails
Not for Cooking. Ideal as an addition to smoothies in small quantities
Low
Macadamia
High Oleic Acid, Rare antioxidants ‘squalene’
Reduces oxidative stress on the body’s fats & skin therefore helps to prevent wrinkles, age spots & increase healing rates
Great replacement
for butter in baked goods. Best for: Panfrying fish, veal & flavouring cakes & slices & in salad dressings
Medium
Peanut
Linoleic Acid, Resveratrol, Vitamin E
Supports heart health, helps to lower cholesterol levels, cognitive health, immune support
Ideal for Asian cooking, especially stir-fries
Medium
Pinenut
High content of polyunsaturated fatty acids – Vitamin E & F, rich source of phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt & iodine
Healing ulcers & Gastritis. Use topically to ease muscular stiffness & rheumatism
Lovely flavour for dips, dressings, spreads & vinaigrettes
Low
Pistachio
Vitamin E, Vitamin B6
Enriching hair treatment & skin
moisturizer when applied topically. Supports eye health
Ideal finishing oil for vegetables, salmon or chicken and as a dressing for salads
Medium
Pumpkin
Rich in Vitamin A & E, zinc, omega 6 & 6 fatty acids
Anti-parasitic, Anti-inflammatory. For treatment of Arthritis & hair loss (internally & topically), supports Kidney health
Beautiful finishing oil for soups, chicken & fish. Ideal as a vinaigrette or dressing. Delicious drizzled over ice cream & desserts
Low
Sesame
High in copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium
4.7g of protein per
ounce (great for vegetarians). Uses: Oil Pulling, relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis, assists in preventing airway spasms
Given its strong flavour, it’s best used as an additive, particularly to Asian dishes such as stir fries. It’s also an excellent addition to marinades & sauces
Medium
Sunflower
Linoleic acid, Vitamin E
Skin moisturizer, excellent carrier oil, can be used for oil pulling
With a smoke point around 225 degrees, sunflower oil is good for frying meats or deep-frying dishes such as tempura & chips
High
Walnut
High in polyunsaturated fats, gammatocopherol & rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Improves blood circulation, lowers risk of heart disease, maintains hormone levels with rich source of phytonutrients, prevention of eczema
Nutty flavour & strong fragrances, best used sparingly to add flavour to a finished dish or in a salad dressing
Medium
The BioChef Vega Oil Press
The BioChef Vega Oil Press Machine is a true innovation in home oil extraction. Designed primarily for home use, the Biochef Vega Oil Press is simple and easy to use. Make your own sunflower oil, sesame oil, flax seed oil, hemp oil and more!