Pecan oil
Pecan oil is an edible pressed oil extracted from the pecan nut. Like most nut oils, it tastes like the nut from which it was extracted. Pecan oil contains approximately 7% saturated fat, which is less than half the amount contained by olive oil, peanut oil or corn oil. It is also used as a massage oil and in aromatherapy applications.
Pecan oil is considered a healthy oil as it is rich in monounsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid, (55-75%)[1] and low in saturated fats. It also contains linoleic acid (19-30%), and small amounts of palmitic, stearic and linolenic acids.[1] The overall balance of fatty acids in the oil may reduce LDL cholesterol (also known as "bad" cholesterol) and the risk of heart disease.[1] [2]
The main application of this oil is its use in cooking. It has a high smoke point of 470 degrees (similar to that of peanut oil) making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures and for deep frying.[3] The mild nutty flavor gives this oil the unique ability to enhance the flavor of ingredients, making it a popular component of salad dressings and dips. The oil is also available in a non-nutty flavor, making it a good substitute for butter and other cooking oils.[4] It is recommended that the oil be stored at fridge temperatures after opening to increase shelf life and reduce rancidity.
Pecan oil can sometimes be hard to find in local grocery stores because it is considered a specialty oil, however it is available for online purchase through a number of manufacturer's websites.
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[edit] Processing
Prior to extraction, the nuts are lightly roasted and ground. Mechanical extraction methods are then used to remove the oil. Most manufacturers avoid the use of chemical extraction methods in order to preserve the natural nutty flavor and nutrients of the oil.[5] [6]
[edit] Appearance
Pecan oil is a light weight oil and is usually pale yellow in color.
[edit] Uses
- cooking
- salad dressings
- dips
- massage oil
- aromatherapy
- cosmetics
- sunless tanning products
[edit] References
- ^ a b c J. F. Toro-Vazquez, M. A. Charó-Alonso and F. Pérez-Briceño (1999). "Fatty acid composition and its relationship with physicochemical properties of pecan (Carya illinoensis) oil". Journal of the American Oil Chemists' 76 (8): 957–965. doi:10.1007/s11746-999-0113-4.
- ^ Sujatha Rajaram, Kenneth Burke, Bertrum Connell, Tun Myint and Joan Sabaté (2001). "A Monounsaturated Fatty Acid–Rich Pecan-Enriched Diet Favorably Alters the Serum Lipid Profile of Healthy Men and Women". The Journal of Nutrition 131: 2275–2279.
- ^ Michael Chu. "Smoke Points of Various Fats". Cooking for Engineers. http://www.cookingforengineers.com/article/50/Smoke-Points-of-Various-Fats.
- ^ http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-pecan-oil.htm
- ^ http://www.ibuygourmet.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8_146
- ^ http://www.latourangelle.com/products_detail.php?product=pecan
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