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Pecan oil is a healthy oil with a nutty flavor that can be used in cooking, baking, and cosmetics. It is low in saturated fat and can be extracted through a chemical-free process. However, it is not commonly found in stores and is considered a specialty oil.
Pecan oil is a refined oil that comes from pecan nuts. It is considered a healthy oil because it is low in saturated fat compared to other pressed oils. Some types have the smell and taste of pecans, while the other pecan oil is treated to remove the taste and scent. Like other cooking oils, this oil can be used in cold applications, such as salad dressings and marinades, in baked goods or for frying.
Pecan oil has a naturally nutty flavor similar to that of the walnut. It can be extracted from raw or cooked pecans, which are usually roasted; roasted pecans often produce a smoky-scented oil. Some pecan oil has been deodorized, so it has no pecan flavor or fragrance properties. Since its flavor is neutral, it can be used in place of other cooking oils, including butter.
Many people choose to avoid oils extracted through chemical processes, often using a solvent called hexane, in favor of those made with a chemical-free process called crushing. Of the oils that don’t require chemical processes to extract them from plant material, pecan oil contains the lowest levels of saturated fat. Like olive oil, pecan oil is expeller pressed, an extraction process that doesn’t involve chemicals. Common oils that use chemical processes to extract the oil include the low-saturated fat oils of grapeseed and canola.
How pecan oil is used in cooking depends on whether it is pecan-flavored oil or oil that has had its flavor and scent removed. The latter type can be used in the same way as many other oils. Pecan oil can be used in many ways like unflavored oils, but the cook must decide whether the flavor pairs well with other flavorings in the dish.
This oil is considered a specialty oil, so it’s not always easy to buy it in stores. It is not common in most home kitchens, and many small markets do not carry pecan oil in favor of other, cheaper and more popular oils. Apart from its use in food, this oil is also used for other applications, such as massage oil and cosmetics. Pecan oil used in cosmetics often appears in soaps and perfumes or in lotions prepared to prevent or treat cracked skin.
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