Walnut oil facts for kids
Walnut oil is a special kind of oil that comes from walnuts. These are usually walnuts from the Juglans regia tree. This oil has different types of fats in it, like polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fats.
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What is Walnut Oil Made Of?
Walnut oil is mostly made of fats that are good for you. About 72% of its fats are polyunsaturated. The main ones are alpha-linolenic acid (14%) and linoleic acid (58%). It also has oleic acid (13%) and a smaller amount of saturated fats (9%).
How We Use Walnut Oil in Food
Walnut oil is safe to eat and adds a unique taste to food. It's not used as much as other oils because it can be more expensive. It has a light color and a delicate, nutty flavor.
Chefs sometimes use walnut oil for light cooking, but they usually avoid high heat. This is because too much heat can make the oil lose its flavor and become a little bitter. Walnut oil is best used in cold dishes, like salad dressings.
There are two main ways to make walnut oil:
- Cold-pressed: This method uses no heat. It keeps more of the oil's natural flavor, but it's often more expensive.
- Refined: This method uses pressure and a special process to get the most oil from the walnuts. The oil is then heated to remove any leftover parts. Both types are safe for cooking.
Like other oils from nuts, seeds, and vegetables, walnut oil can go bad over time. This is called becoming rancid.
Most of the walnut oil sold in the United States comes from California.
Walnut Oil in Art and Woodwork
Walnut oil was very important to Renaissance painters. They used it because it dries quickly and doesn't turn yellow. This made it a good base for oil paint and a way to clean brushes.
Some woodworkers also like to use walnut oil. They use it to finish wooden items that touch food, like bowls. It's safe because it's edible. When applied thinly to wood, walnut oil dries, so it doesn't go rancid. People who make wood finishes often mix walnut oil with beeswax. A common mix is one-third oil to two-thirds beeswax.
See also
In Spanish: Aceite de nuez para niños
