Years ago, when I first started getting into cooking, there was only one oil I knew of- olive. Even as I discovered new oils while wandering the grocery store, I always depended mostly on olive. When coconut oil came onto the scene I tried it. I found I loved it for post-shower skin hydration and could use it sparingly in cooking, but the flavor was always a little strong for me to fully adopt it for more than a couple uses. But now, there is a new oil on the scene that is stealing the spotlight and quickly becoming my favorite. Say hello to the many uses and benefits of avocado oil!
Where to start… Hm, well I don’t have to tell you how incredibly popular avocados in general have become and it’s no surprise why. The green fruit contains more potassium than bananas, is loaded with monounsaturated fats (how many times have you heard it called the GOOD fat?) and are actually full of fiber too (7g per 3.5 oz serving).
They taste great blended into dressings, sliced up on toast and plus there is always guacamole- yum.
Yes, I’m willing to bet you are all familiar with the fruit, but avocado oil is starting to get the spotlight it deserves too and here’s why.
High smoke point. Smoke point refers to the temperature at which the oil starts visibly smoking in the pan. This is important because once an oil hits its smoke point, it starts breaking down. Nutrients are lost, flavor changes and some oils can even change composition and become not so great for us. Extra virgin avocado oil has a smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit (Coconut oil 350 degrees Fahrenheit), and naturally refined avocado oil has a smoke point that is usually listed around 480-510 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mild flavor. Avocado oil has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that is super smooth in texture. It is great for switching up your salad dressings from the typical olive oil.
Nutritionally similar to olive oil. If you are an olive oil fan because it’s so often touted as the healthiest oil, then rejoice, because avocado oil is similar. Both are close to 70% monounsaturated fat and about 15% saturated fat.
Adaptable. I picked up my first avocado oil in December and have been trying it in various situations since then. I’ve been so impressed! It’s fantastic for making perfect fried eggs, sauteing, marinades, roasting veggies, as a finishing oil on top of homemade hummus and in salad dressings. I haven’t used it myself for baking but have heard it works really well, especially for those that may not prefer the strong taste of coconut oil.
Possibly my favorite everyday use for avocado oil is in smoothies!
I’m always looking for ways to get nutrient and calorie dense foods into Kaitlyn (21 months) and adding a tablespoon of avocado oil provides powerful health benefits without worrying about peeling or pitting the real thing.
Natural Beauty Product. I must admit that I have not tried this one myself, but have read of some reasons why it’s so great for skin and hair, including helping cuts and scars heal.
Overall it’s a superstar for so many reasons and I can’t imagine my kitchen without it now. The only downside to avocado oil is that it isn’t readily available in every grocery store, though it is becoming more so common. Luckily we live in the 21st century and can buy it online to be mailed right to our door. Yay online shopping!
What is your favorite go-to oil in the kitchen?
Have you tried avocado oil?
Kate says
I LOVE avocados! I have seen avocado oil in the grocery store, but I always suspected it to have a low smoke point, so I didn’t look further into it. I definitely will now…
At the moment, I mostly use coconut oil, olive oil, and sesame oil.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I love avocado oil! Great for face wash!
Kelli says
Agreed!
Jennifer says
I haven’t tried avocado oil yet but after this I surely will. I guess I’m a creature of habit and have just stuck with the good ol EVOO.
Haley @ Hobson Homestead says
Yes! We love avocado oil too, especially the mild flavor. I can even oil pull with it. We buy a big bottle at Costco for about $9. Definitely check it out once your store opens!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Whenever I see avocado oil in the oils section of a store, I’m tempted to buy it. But I never do! I will the next time though.
Ashleigh says
Yes! I just made the switch from coconut oil to avocado oil (alternate with olive oil, still). It’s a terrific energy source when trying to lose body fat, the body can utilize it more efficiently than coconut oil.
While I love guac, I can’t deal with a lot of plain avocado due to the texture… the oil is so much easier in that sense.
Thanks for the post!
Natasha says
We’ve never really tried avocado oil, scared that it might be a bit too much (the taste), but will definitely try it. I know my sister in law loves it as a salad dressing. Would love to try this over broccoli roasted in the oven, I think it is on your blog where I saw that you roast broccoli?…cannot remember, but we eat it no other way now, and have been eating way more of it now than ever before. We’ve always been using olive oil for that. Adding this to the shopping list ๐
Jerrica says
I always use grape seed oil but I might give this a try next! I always see it beside my grape seed on the shelf but never tried it. Thanks for enlightening me!!
Heather says
I am an oil novice, but will definitely be picking up some Avocado oil now! I knew about it’s skin benefits, but admittedly when it comes to cooking I know zilch about smoke points and would never have thought of adding it to a smoothie! After my husband set off the smoke alarms in the house last night (due to an oil with an apparently low smoke point), it would probably be worth looking into. Haha.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’ve been using avocado oil now since October 2014 and love it. Costco has by far the best price. I don’t use it exclusively but I mostly use it for sautรฉing our foods due to the high smoke point. I honestly think it has the most mild flavor of any healthy oils. I’m a huge fan!
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I LOVE avocado oil! I definitely cook with it A LOT. I recommend getting bottles at Costco because they are CRAZY affordable!!
amy says
I haven’t tried it yet but now really want too! Also, I saw some at Homegoods/Marshalls so that could be a more affordable way to buy it for those that want to give it a try.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Okay, definitely did not even know this existed! I LOVE avocados and thankful I live in San Diego where they are plentiful but how did i not know about this? I think it would taste good in a salad dressing… and then add more avocado on top. ๐
Samantha says
I’ve been using coconut oil for most things but I’ll have to give this a try because of its’ high smoking point!! Thanks for sharing ๐
Amanda @ Cheers to the Weekends says
I did not even know avocado came in oil form! I will look into this since I’m not really an avocado, except guacamole (so weird, I know). Seems like a great way to sneak in some healthy fats!
Janet says
A superb post, Brittany! I am aware of all the amazing benefits from avocados, but I didn’t know about avocado oil. I use avocado as spreads, dressing, and even hair as well as face mask. Can’t wait to try avocado oil!