Oil is a common cooking ingredient. The most common types of oils are olive and vegetable oils, but there are other kinds you can use when you want to try something new. One of them is walnut oil and here’s what it is and how you can use it.
Nuts are known for containing plenty of fats, so they can be pressed to release the natural oils found in them. Walnut oil is probably the best example of this and it has been used since ancient times. It’s not a great choice for cooking on high heat, but can be a perfect cold addition to many sweet and savory dishes.
Walnut oil comes with a high cost because it takes about five pounds of walnuts to make one liter of oil. The oils are first toasted and then pressed to get the oil. Some producers use shortcuts like soaking nuts in vegetable oil, which can lead to lower prices but also compromise the quality.
The flavor of walnut oil is light, delicate, and—you guessed it—nutty. It’s best to use cold-pressed and unrefined oil that kept its original nutrients and flavor. However, the processed type can handle heat easier and be a better choice for cooking and sautéing.
