Grapeseed oil comes from byproducts of winemaking, and is used today in cooking, baking, and healthy and beauty treatments. Once the grapes are crushed and juice extracted for wine, the fleshy fruit and seeds that are left is called pomace. Instead of being used for compost or simply thrown out, organic grape seed oil is produced.
Organic Grapeseed Oil Good For Cooking at High Temperatures
Lighter in flavor than olive oil, grapeseed oil is popular with cooks and chefs because of its very high smoking point of about 216 degrees Celsius, which makes it a good choice for deep frying and sauteing. As it has a mild, somewhat nutty flavor it also lends itself well as a base for herb salad dressing recipes.
Use this oil for cooking, baking, and in cosmetics for hair and skin. Recently, grapeseed oil has been attracting increased interest for its health benefits.
Rich in Anti-oxidants
Rich in anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids, studies show health benefits of grapeseed oil include a reduced risk of heart disease as well as naturally rejuvenating aging skin. It can help slow the signs of aging by minimizing wrinkles and fine lines naturally. Containing oleic, linolec, palmitric and stearic acids, it is becoming more and more popular with women over forty who are looking for all natural anti-aging products.
Remember, when applying anything to your skin you want it to be easily absorbed rather than sitting on your face and possibly clogging your pores, causing pimples,and/or blemishes. And if something is going to be absorbed into your skin it should be all-natural and free of chemicals. Here are some of the cosmetics containing grapeseed oil, many of which can be made at home.
- Massage oil
- Bath oil
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balms
- Body Lotion
- Facial Lotion – locks in moisture
- Acne treatment – it is mildly astringent and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Eye Creams – helps slow the signs of aging skin
Organic Grapeseed Oil Moisturizer Recipe
Try this at home – be sure to store it in the fridge in a dark glass jar, and use it within the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Cold Pressed Organic Grapeseed Oil
- 1 teaspoon Organic Honey – preferably a medium to dark honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Mix all together, and apply as needed. Try lime juice if you prefer. If you use buckwheat honey, you may find the smell a little strong.
Storing Grapeseed Oil
Buy cold pressed grapeseed oil only, especially for cooking. As chemicals can be used to extract the grapeseeds from the pomace on the winepress, ensure you are buying cooking grade grapeseed oil as opposed to the oil that is sold for cosmetic purposes.
Store your organic oils in a dark, glass bottle in a cool dark place such as a cold cellar or a refrigerator.
Baking With Organic Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a healthy alternative to vegetable oils in baking. As it has a very mild, nutty flavour, it’s great in cakes, muffins, and pies.
Where to Buy Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is now widely available in your local large-chain grocery stores, as well as specialty cooking stores and health food markets. If you live in a rural area, you may prefer to buy your organic grapeseed oil online. Beware of buying in bulk though; remember that cold pressed oils can turn rancid if not properly stored, and you may not be able to use all of yours prior to it going bad.