We all know that almond oil can be used for beauty and health purposes. But then, can the oil be used for cooking as well? What would be the result of doing so?
This post has the answers. Would you like to know more? Keep reading!
Almond oil is extracted from the ground almond paste. It is pale yellow in colour with a nutty flavour. Apart from its benefits for skin, it is also edible and can be used as a healthy alternative to many other cooking oils. It is rich in monosaturated fat, vitamin E, and phytosterols.
Is almond oil good for cooking? The usage of almond oil for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes is not new to us. But many of us are still doubtful when it comes to using almond oil for cooking. Selecting the right cooking oil is very important for your and your family’s health. And looking at the benefits of almond oil, it appears to be a healthy substitute for cooking oil with a lot many advantages. (1)
Almond oil is available in two forms:
Cold-Pressed:
This means that the oil has been extracted by hand without heat that retains the highest nutrient content in the oil.
Refined:
The oil is extracted from seeds by solvent extraction for further refining. This helps to produce clear oil that is free from foreign particles.
The type of almond oil you have with you determines the method of cooking. Check the recipe and determine the type of oil required. Depending on the dish, decide the type of oil to be used.
Cold-pressed almond oil imparts a strong flavour to the dishes, but it is not stable under high temperature. The oil is also called a salad oil and is used for salads, marinades, and smoothies. Raw almond oil enhances the taste of food including salads, grains and toasts.
Refined oil is not very flavourful as cold-pressed oil, and depending on the recipe, it can be used for high-temperature cooking like sautéing, heating, frying, baking and other processes. So, use refined oil if your recipe calls for frying or baking, and, if you are making cold dishes like smoothies or salads, then use cold pressed almond oil.
For baking goodies, you can add both cold and refined oil in equal quantities. Adding ¼ – ½ cup of cold pressed almond oil instead of butter or oil will give a nice nutty flavour to the baked goodies.
Continue to prepare the dish as directed in your recipe with almond oil as the substitute.
Almond oil can cause side effects in people who are allergic to almonds or nuts. If you think that you are sensitive, then, try ingesting half a teaspoon of oil and wait for a day to see if you develop any allergic reaction.
Cooking with almond oil causes you no harm. Since almond oil is high in calories, excessive intake will lead to an increase in weight.
If you are on any medication, consult your physician before you start using the oil.
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