Whether cooking food or soap, we need fats, aka, oils. Oil is that basic pantry item that you rarely think about. True story; just the other day my Mother pulled a nasty bottle out of the cabinet over the stove. After she smelled it, she asked me if oil could go bad and stated that it didn't "look" nasty. I didn't have to lift the bottle all the way to my nose, because I smelled it half way there! How she didn't is beyond my comprehension. So, being the frugal, tough woman that she is, she wanted to taste it and see just how "bad" it was. Being the good, easily grossed out kid that I am, I stopped her by grabbing the bottle. The bottle had an expiration date of 1999! I kid you not! Needless to say, it went into the trash, but that got me to thinking about oils and how many of us don't really know much about them.
We all have oil in the kitchen cabinet, and most of us probably keep it in that tall cabinet over the stove. But how many different oils do you have? Do you use one oil for everything? Did you know that not all oils should/can be used for all things? Even the weekend cook should have more than one oil in the pantry. Oh, and that is where the oils should be stored, in the pantry. That cabinet above the stove has too much of a temperature variation, which will cause your oil to degrade more quickly than it should.
The type of oil you need for cooking will depend upon the type of cooking you are doing. Each oil has "smoke point". That is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke. This information is included on the labels. You never want to heat the oil beyond its smoke point because that generates toxic fumes and releases harmful free radicals. If you do accidentally heat oil to that point, make sure to discard it, along with any food that it came in contact with.
So what oils do you need to stock? What type(s) of cooking do you? For baking you will want to use; coconut, palm, canola, high oleic sunflower or high oleic safflower oil. For frying; Use avocado, peanut, palm or sesame oil, as these stand up to the heat well. When you are sauteing many oils work well. Try; avocado, canola, coconut, grapeseed, olive, sesame, high oleic safflower or high oleic sunflower oils. When you are making salad dressings, marinades, or just want a dipping oil, you need an oil that is quite flavorful. Try one of these oils; flax, olive, peanut, toasted sesame or walnut oil.
Here are some suggestions for oil uses;
Avocado Oil is pressed from avocados. It is a smooth, nutty oil, that is high in monounsaturated fats (more than 50%), which makes it a heart-smart choice. It is great for use in salad dressings or to saute chicken or fish, or try it on sweet potatoes.
Canola Oil is actually a variety of rapeseed (soy) that is part of the mustard family, which includes cabbage and brussle sprouts. It is low in saturated fat and has omega 3, so it is also a great oil for heart health. It is perfect for light cooking, making sauces and desserts.
Coconut Oil is pressed from the fruit of the coconut palm tree. It is perfect for light cooking and for subtly flavored dishes. Try it in popcorn making or hash browns and see how good it is. At one time many thought this oil wasn't healthy, but extensive study has proven that this oil should not be avoided. In fact, it is being recommended more and more and is listed as a healthy and heart beneficial oil.
Most corn oil is extracted only from the germ of the corn kernel. It is a golden yellow color, but the unrefined oil will be darker in color, and richer in its corn taste. This oil is good when used in salad dressings and dips, and with stronger flavors, such as peppers or garlic.
Grapeseed Oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes and is a byproduct of the wine-making industry. Use this on salads and raw veggies, or in dips, sauces and salsas. Grapeseed oil is also good when mixed with garlic and basil, then drizzled over toasted bread.
Olive Oil is one of the oldest known culinary oils and a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet. It is a heart-smart oil, consisting mostly of monounsaturated fat. Extra virgin olive oil is from the first cold-pressing of the olives. "Pure" olive oil is mild, but is a blend of the refined olive oil and the extra virgin olive oil. Whichever you have, try drizzling some over grilled vegetables, hummus, or toasted bread.
Peanut Oil is relatively high in monounsaturated fat, so it is heart-smart and is good for light sauteing. But it is considered superior for frying foods, especially stir fry, due to its high smoke point. You do have to exercise extreme caution with this oil however, because of its allergen potential.
Sesame Oil comes from the seed of the sesame plant and is high in antioxidants. Unrefined sesame oil is a wonderful and key flavor component in many sauces and dressings. Use the refined sesame oil for frying and other high heat applications. Use the toasted oil for stir fries and Asian sauces and dips.
A few more things you should know about oils;
Oils do spoil. Heat, air and light trigger oxidation, which begins the degradation cycle for the oil. You cannot prevent oxidation, but you can delay it, thereby extending the oil's shelf life. Oils should be stored it air tight containers, out of direct sunlight, and in a cool place. The more polyunsaturated, the shorter the shelf life. To extend it, store these oils in the refrigerator. Once an oil is rancid you will easily smell and taste that. Throw it out!
Some oils, such as olive oil, will appear cloudy when they get cold or are put in the refrigerator. This does not affect their quality at all, and after they get warmed up a bit they will look normal again.
Some oils are refined in order to make them more stable and raise their smoke point. That process tends to remove a lot of the natural flavor, color and even some nutrients. So use the refined oils for baking and stir-frying, where their high smoke point and neutral flavors are a big benefit.
It is best to use unrefined oils in either no-heat, or low-heat applications. But, since unrefined oils are just pressed and bottled, they retain all their original nutrient content, flavor and color. They offer their full-bodied flavor to any dish that they are used in.
I could go on, delving deeper into the types of oils (polyunsatured, triglycerides and such), but I am a soap maker, not a nutritionist. But, since we all need to care for bodies and our health, I suggest that you check into this more. Speak to your physician and/or dietitian for more detailed information and recommendations.
Next Tuesday's post will look at Oils again. This time we will be looking at using them in soap! So please come back Tuesday when we will discuss the properties of various oils, and how those properties impact our skin care.
Showing posts with label oil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label oil. Show all posts
Frankly Speaking Friday- Exotic Oils cont.- Kukui Nut Oil
It's Friday and we are continuing with the exotic oils. So today we are looking at Kukui nut oil, as I am dreaming of sand and beaches!
Kukui nut oil is a light yellow to clear oil, with a slight to odorless scent. It is cold pressed from the seed of the Kukui tree, botanically known as Aleurites moluccans. This nut tree was first brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers. It quickly adapted, and is now Hawaii 's official state tree. The word "Kukui" means ‘enlightenment' in Hawaiian. And, traditionally, Hawaiian babies were anointed with the oil to protect their skin from the sun, salt, and other elements. In fact, the kukui nut oil was used to massage members of royalty, who were sometimes massaged [with this oil] for seven or more hours! In addition, it has routinely been used to treat skin irritations, wounds, and burns!
Kukui nut oil is a light yellow to clear oil, with a slight to odorless scent. It is cold pressed from the seed of the Kukui tree, botanically known as Aleurites moluccans. This nut tree was first brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers. It quickly adapted, and is now Hawaii 's official state tree. The word "Kukui" means ‘enlightenment' in Hawaiian. And, traditionally, Hawaiian babies were anointed with the oil to protect their skin from the sun, salt, and other elements. In fact, the kukui nut oil was used to massage members of royalty, who were sometimes massaged [with this oil] for seven or more hours! In addition, it has routinely been used to treat skin irritations, wounds, and burns!
Kukui nut oil is high in linoleic acid, vitamins A, C, E, and protective antioxidants. It is quickly, almost immediately absorbed by the skin, and is able to penetrate into the deepest skin layers, while creating a protective shield that locks in moisture. At the same time, it does not leave you feeling greasy, or with an oily film, making it excellent for skin conditioning, especially after sun exposure. Long used in Hawaii, this oil has now made its way to the mainland, and is quickly becoming well known, even prized, for its soothing effects on the skin , as well as its rejuvenating properties.
Kukui Nut Oil needs to be kept away from high temperatures and direct light, but when it is properly stored, will last from 12 to 14 months. It blends well in most formulations, and is great for many different skin conditions. Because it provides moisture and nourishment so well and so fast, it is especially good for dry, mature, and
damaged skin. It can leave even the roughest and driest skin feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated, but it is specifically beneficial in treating; all manner of burns, including; sunburns, windburns, radiation burns, and heat induced burns; eczema; chapped skin; mature skin; prematurely aged skin; acne; scars; lesions; and dry scalp and hair.
Kukui nut oil can be used straight on the hair and/or scalp to treat dryness, and it can be added into bath water for a luxurious, skin softening treat. Just a few drops will make quite a difference. However, in order to use and retain its properties in your skin care formulas, you will need to remember to add it only after your product no longer needs heating, as it cannot be exposed to high temperatures. So, for soapers, you will need to add this oil at trace. My research shows that as little as 2 tablespoons per 5 lbs of soap, added just prior to incorporating the essential oils, will add a noticeable richness to your soap. Although I have seen notes on some soaping sites that recommend using this oil for 10-20% of the total fats, my research suggests that this would just be a waste of oil and money, since its properties won't survive the heat involved in the lye process.
*All bibliography references are listed on the reference page, the tab can be found at the top of this page.
What's Happening Wednesday- More Exotic Oils- Baobab Seed Oil
What's happening this Wednesday? It's the beginning of the month, so I am making my order lists for materials. I have so much to do and so little time! But, I did just find out that the Spring show I do annually, is set for April 30, this year. Since this is a bit later than it has been in the past, I am extremely happy, as it gives me a couple of extra weeks to prep! As for today, later on I will be making another batch of soap, and I still need to unmold and cut the Daisies soap that I made the other day.
Yesterday we learned about Babassu oil, and today we will explore another exotic oil, Baobab seed oil.
Baobab oil is cold pressed from the seed of the Baobab tree, probably the best known tree in all of Africa. This tree grows throughout Africa, and is extremely intriguing. To begin with, it is an extremely long-lived tree. There are currently specimens estimated to be 3,000 years old, and they expect that they can live to be 6,000 years old. The tree and its fruit have unique characteristics, which make it instantly recognizable. It has hand shaped leaves, and bears an ovoid fruit that has a woody shell, which is covered in green-yellowish, velvety hairs. The crown of the tree is very spread out, and is seasonally devoid of any foliage, while the trunk is gray, extremely thick, and fibrous. It can grow to be over 25 cm in circumference. Its unique attributes has earned this tree the nicknames of "the upside down tree" and "the monkey tree".
The botanical name is Adansonia digitata, and it actually belongs to its own family, Bombacaceae. The inside of the fruit shell has contains a lot of seeds which are embedded in a powdery white pulp. This pulp is soaked in milk or water, the pulp is then eaten, and the [soaked] liquid is drunk. It is very nutritious, and the beverage is said to be quite refreshing. In fact, the fruit may have more vitamin C than oranges and exceed the calcium content of cow's milk. Seeds not used for food are gathered and sent to be cold pressed for the oil, which is a golden yellow, and possesses a slight nutty odor/scent.
This oil is very rich and nourishing, extremely emollient, and highly moisturizing. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, it doesn't clog the pores, nor leave a greasy residue. It contains almost equal amounts of saturated, mono-saturated, poly-unsaturated, and fatty acids, as well as containing vitamins A, D, E and F. Vitamins A and F are involved in the rejuvenation of cell membranes, while vitamin E, a great antioxidant, helps to fight the signs and symptoms of aging skin. This oil is ideal for dry, damaged skin, and offers soothing properties that will benefit eczema and psoriasis as well. Studies have shown that, after four weeks of use, this oil was "extremely effective" in improving skin elasticity. In other words, goodbye dry, wrinkly skin! One of its better benefits is that it alleviates the pain caused by burns, while it helps to heal the skin. This oil encourages the regeneration of the skin cells and tissue, as it improves the tone and elasticity, and it accomplishes this in a relatively short period of time.
Baobab oil is suitable for all skin types. Because it is so highly moisturizing and nourishing, it only requires a few drops to massage into the skin. Additionally, this is not a cheap oil to import, so, even though it doesn't have any usage limits, it is often incorporated into recipes in small, albeit effective, amounts. Its mild odor is easily masked with fragrance, and it is extremely stable, with a shelf life of two or more years. Its superb benefits make it appropriate for skin and hair, so it can be useful in all of your bath and body products.
Yesterday we learned about Babassu oil, and today we will explore another exotic oil, Baobab seed oil.
Baobab oil is cold pressed from the seed of the Baobab tree, probably the best known tree in all of Africa. This tree grows throughout Africa, and is extremely intriguing. To begin with, it is an extremely long-lived tree. There are currently specimens estimated to be 3,000 years old, and they expect that they can live to be 6,000 years old. The tree and its fruit have unique characteristics, which make it instantly recognizable. It has hand shaped leaves, and bears an ovoid fruit that has a woody shell, which is covered in green-yellowish, velvety hairs. The crown of the tree is very spread out, and is seasonally devoid of any foliage, while the trunk is gray, extremely thick, and fibrous. It can grow to be over 25 cm in circumference. Its unique attributes has earned this tree the nicknames of "the upside down tree" and "the monkey tree".The botanical name is Adansonia digitata, and it actually belongs to its own family, Bombacaceae. The inside of the fruit shell has contains a lot of seeds which are embedded in a powdery white pulp. This pulp is soaked in milk or water, the pulp is then eaten, and the [soaked] liquid is drunk. It is very nutritious, and the beverage is said to be quite refreshing. In fact, the fruit may have more vitamin C than oranges and exceed the calcium content of cow's milk. Seeds not used for food are gathered and sent to be cold pressed for the oil, which is a golden yellow, and possesses a slight nutty odor/scent.
This oil is very rich and nourishing, extremely emollient, and highly moisturizing. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, it doesn't clog the pores, nor leave a greasy residue. It contains almost equal amounts of saturated, mono-saturated, poly-unsaturated, and fatty acids, as well as containing vitamins A, D, E and F. Vitamins A and F are involved in the rejuvenation of cell membranes, while vitamin E, a great antioxidant, helps to fight the signs and symptoms of aging skin. This oil is ideal for dry, damaged skin, and offers soothing properties that will benefit eczema and psoriasis as well. Studies have shown that, after four weeks of use, this oil was "extremely effective" in improving skin elasticity. In other words, goodbye dry, wrinkly skin! One of its better benefits is that it alleviates the pain caused by burns, while it helps to heal the skin. This oil encourages the regeneration of the skin cells and tissue, as it improves the tone and elasticity, and it accomplishes this in a relatively short period of time.
Baobab oil is suitable for all skin types. Because it is so highly moisturizing and nourishing, it only requires a few drops to massage into the skin. Additionally, this is not a cheap oil to import, so, even though it doesn't have any usage limits, it is often incorporated into recipes in small, albeit effective, amounts. Its mild odor is easily masked with fragrance, and it is extremely stable, with a shelf life of two or more years. Its superb benefits make it appropriate for skin and hair, so it can be useful in all of your bath and body products.
Hemp is for More Than Smoking!
Hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of Cannabis Sativa, or what we commonly call the marijuana plant. This plant, of course, cannot be legally grown in the U.S., but it is commercially grown in many countries, for many uses. One of its largest uses is the production of oil, both for food use (yes, you can eat it!), and for cosmetics. It is also used to make a good quality paper, sewing material (fabric, thread, string, and rope) , and is even being experimented with as an alternative fuel source.
Perhaps the largest advantage to growing Hemp is the fact that the Hemp plant is quick and easy to grow and to harvest. When compared to cotton, the Hemp plant is much more easily managed. It doesn't require pesticides for a healthy crop, doesn't need a warm climate to grow/produce well, and the Hemp needs very little rainfall to grow well. When compared to tree production, the Hemp plant yields eight times more paper producing material than trees on the same amount of land, acre for acre. Then, of course, there is also the fact that the Hemp grows to maturity in 4 months, versus the years that the trees will take.
Because Hemp is illegal to grow in the USA, all Hemp materials have to be imported from other countries. We are legally allowed to have the oil and other materials because, once processed, Hemp no longer contains THC, that active property that provides the "high" when marijuana is smoked. So, no, giving your teenager a Hemp tee-shirt or bracelet won't contribute to their delinquency, just like using a Hemp oil cosmetically will not get you high! [Even though my products have been known to cause mood alterations] ! lol
Hemp oil contains many proteins, natural fatty acids, vitamins and enzymes, making it a good choice for cooking. As a topical, it is easily absorbed through the skin and leaves your skin feeling very soft without feeling too greasy. Hemp oil is gentle, healing, good for sensitive skin, and protects skin from moisture loss, making it a good choice for lotions, soaps and balms.
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