| Walnut oil is not as widely recognised as other oils | | | | the shelf live is severely reduced. If refrigerated, an |
| such as olive oil and vegetable oil. Its unique, refined | | | | opened container may last as long as a year, |
| nutty taste makes it stand out among others and | | | | although the flavour will begin to lose its quality in half |
| provides excellent health benefits such as reducing | | | | that time. |
| heart disease and treating skin problems. | | | | Health Benefits |
| The culinary uses of walnut oil are endless. It should | | | | The benefits of walnuts and their oils are becoming |
| really be used exclusively for adding flavour to | | | | more readily apparent. Walnuts and their oils are |
| already cooked foods; it can be used as a substitute | | | | excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids which help |
| for salad dressings and as a dipping sauce for bread | | | | prevent heart disease, cancer and weight problems. |
| and cheese. However, it is not really intended for use | | | | They are also rich in antioxidants and are one of the |
| in high temperature cooking as it can removes some | | | | best sources of antioxidant sources among the tree |
| of the oil’s nutritional value and flavour, creating | | | | nuts. Walnuts and their oils are dense in the |
| a bitter taste. | | | | antioxidant, ellagic acid, which aids in controlling the |
| The Process of Production | | | | replication of malignant tumours and has anti-bacterial, |
| The finest walnut oil is considered to be that which is | | | | anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antiseptic properties. |
| imported from certain regions in France, although | | | | Consumptions of walnut oil and walnuts have also |
| others prefer oil that comes from Australia or | | | | been shown to lower total LDL (lower cholesterol) |
| California. The traditional European method of making | | | | and studies have shown that walnut oil helps in |
| walnut oil is always used, no matter where it is made. | | | | lowering endothelin, therefore reducing the chances |
| The process begins with the flesh of the nut being | | | | of developing heart disease. |
| ground into a paste using stone wheels. This paste is | | | | Other than providing internal health benefits, walnut oil |
| then roasted, which is highly significant in determining | | | | is used in combination with other aromatic oils and |
| how the oil will turn out, as is the hydraulic pressing | | | | remains popular because of its soothing properties. |
| following the roasting. The quality of the final product | | | | Walnut oil is quick drying and therefore is highly prized |
| can vary greatly depending on the length of roasting | | | | in the art of massage because it leaves the skin |
| time and the conditions involved in pressing it. The | | | | feeling refreshed. It is used to moisturise the skin, |
| less oil that is extracted, the more delicate the nutty | | | | treating wrinkles as well as combating skin problems |
| flavour and therefore, the more expensive it will be. | | | | such as fungal infections, warts and eczema. |
| It is so important that there aren’t any shortcuts | | | | Overall, regular use of walnut oil provides a dietary |
| taken during the production period as the delicate | | | | source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, both |
| nutty flavour and quality will be lost. | | | | which are difficult to attain in adequate quantities |
| While an unopened bottle of walnut oil can maintain | | | | within a typical Western diet. |
| freshness for up to three years, once it is opened | | | | |