Avocado oil is a healthy and flavorful oil that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a high smoke point, making it great for cooking at high temperatures, and also contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. While avocado oil can be purchased in stores, making it at home is a great way to control the quality of the oil and save money. In this article, we will go through how to make avocado oil at home, step-by-step.
What You Will Need:
Before we get into the steps, here's what you'll need to make avocado oil:
- 5-6 ripe avocados
- A blender or food processor
- Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
- A bowl or jar to collect the oil
Step 1: Cut and Scoop Out Avocado Flesh
First, cut your avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and place it in your blender or food processor. You may need to do this in batches if you have a small blender.
Step 2: Blend the Avocado Flesh
Blend the avocado flesh until it is smooth and creamy. You don't want any large chunks in the mixture. This step should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Once you have a smooth avocado puree, place a layer of cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer over your bowl or jar. Slowly pour the puree into the strainer or cheesecloth.
The goal is to separate the oil from the flesh, so you will need to let the puree sit for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the oil to rise to the top of the mixture and separate from the flesh.
Step 4: Collect the Oil
After several hours or overnight, you will notice that the oil has risen to the top of the mixture. Carefully remove the cheesecloth or strainer, being sure not to disrupt the layer of oil on top. Pour the oil into a clean, dry jar or bottle.
Step 5: Store the Oil
You can store the avocado oil in a cool, dark place for up to 1-2 months.
Tip: To extend the shelf life of avocado oil, consider storing it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will slow down oxidation and keep the oil fresher for longer.
Final Thoughts
Making avocado oil at home is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few avocados and a blender, you can create a delicious and healthy oil that can be used in a variety of ways. Remember to store the oil properly and enjoy in all of your favorite dishes.