Vegtable Oils

Oils are often divided into three categories according to their qualities, these categories are non-drying, semi- drying and drying. Non-drying oils are slow to oxidise and so remain liquid for a long time. This quality makes them particularly useful as lubricants and as a fuel for lamps. Drying oils, on the other hand, are quite quick to oxidise and become solid, thus they are often used in paints and varnishes - Linseed oil is a good example of this. Semi-drying oils have qualities intermediate between the above two groups.

Almost all commercially grown oil seed crops in the temperate zone are of annual plants. The list is quite long and we do not intend to deal with them in this leaflet but some of the most common ones are Rape, Soya, Linseed, Sunflower and Safflower. There are also, however, quite a few perennial species that could be utilised for oil production and some of the more promising of these will no be mentioned. Unless stated otherwise they all produce an edible oil.

Althaea officinalis - The Marshmallow is a herbaceous plant native to Britain and growing wild on the upper margins of brackish marshes, along ditches and banks, often near the sea. As the common name suggests, the roasted root of the plant was used as a confection long before the sweet of that name was made. This plant is easily cultivated, growing well in most soils and tolerant of fairly dry conditions. The seed is produced quite freely but it is quite small and tedious to harvest by hand. The oil is drying. Other uses for this plant include edible leaves, raw or cooked, a glue made from the root, an egg-white substitute that can be made from water in which the plant has been cooked and stem and root fibres in paper making.

Camellia species - Evergreen shrubs from China and Japan. This group includes the well known garden Camellias. They are quite hardy but dislike cold winds and alkaline soils, probably growing best in a thin woodland. They are sometimes cultivated as an oil crop in the Orient, this oil is non-drying and is especially popular as a hair dressing. Species to try are japonica (the garden Camellia), C. olifera and C. sasanqua.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia - Is an evergreen coniferous shrub from the woodlands of Japan. It grows in most soils, succeeds in heavy shade but prefers light shade and dislikes exposed positions. Plants are either male or female but have been known to change sex. Obviously both sexes should be grown if seed is wanted (one male for every five females) although there are reports of isolated females producing fruits with infertile seed. Both seed and fruit are edible but can taste resinous, we have no information as to the category of this oil.

Cornus sanguinea - The Dogwood, is a native deciduous shrub found wild in mixed woods, scrub and hedgerows on calcareous soils though it succeeds on most soils. It can also be grown as a hedge. The oil, which is non- drying, is obtained from both the seed and pericarp (the fleshy shell surrounding the seed). It is said to be edible when refined. Young branches of the plant are used in basket making and a grey-blue dye is obtained from the fruit.

Corylus avellana - Our native Hazel, is a deciduous shrub of woods and hedgerows found especially on calcareous soils but succeeding on most soils. The oil is non-drying. As well as its seed, Hazel was once widely grown in coppices to provide wood for making hurdles, wattles, fences, etc. It might also be worthwhile trying other members of this genus such as C. colurna, and C. sieboldiana mandschurica (synonym C. mandschurica).

Fagus sylvatica - Our native Beech tree grows on most soils but avoids heavy, wet ones, it is abundant on chalk. Heavy crops are not produced every year. The oil is semi-drying and is said to store for a long time without growing rancid. The seed is also edible as are the young leaves that are produced in the two flushes of growth in spring and mid-summer.

Glaucium flavum - The Horned Poppy is another native species found on shingle banks of the coast. It is easily grown in any good garden soil but is, unfortunately, a fairly short-lived perennial. The oil is said to burn very cleanly in lamps.

Juglans regia - The Walnut tree, is more or less naturalised in southern England. It succeeds on most soils, preferring a deep loam, and strongly disliking windy positions. The oil is drying and quickly goes rancid. The seed is, of course, edible and amongst its other uses, the crushed leaves can be used as an insect repellant. Other Juglans species also have oil rich seeds although they may not be produced freely in Britain. It might be worthwhile trying J. cinerea, J .mandschurica or J nigra.

Prunus species - This genus includes the Plum, Cherry, Almond, Apricot and Peach. The seed of all members of this genus could probably by used for oil extraction, although in our climate the Plum is probably the most reliable choice. The oil is semi-drying. One word of warning though, if the extracted oil should taste strongly of bitter almonds then it should only be consumed in small quantities.

Rhus verniciflua - The Japanese Lacquer tree is a deciduous tree from the woodlands of China and Japan. It succeeds in ordinary garden soil but is susceptible to Coral Spot fungus. The oil is drying. Indeed it is actually solid at room temperature and so can be used as a vegetable tallow in making candles. All parts of this tree including the oil are poisonous. A natural varnish or lacquer can be obtained from the sap of the tree.

Vitis vinifera - Is the Grape. Due to the size of the seed it would not normally be practicable to cultivate for oil production but if you grow a reasonable quality of grapes for wine or have access to someone else's pulp from winemaking, then you could have a go. The oil is edible when refined and is also used in lighting.

Finally, a few words on extracting the oil. The best method to use if the oil is to be eaten is to squeeze out the oil in a press. As far as we know, there are no sources of domestic size oil presses in Britain, perhaps a fruit press could be adapted. Prior to crushing, it will improve extraction rates if you grind up the seed somewhat. This method of extraction will not get all the oil out however. If you then boil up the pulp, a lot more oil will then float to the surface of the water and be skimmed off. This oil is not so wholesome to use as a food but is perfectly alright for all its other applications. The oil should be stored in air-tight containers.

Database

The database has more details on these plants: Althaea officinalis, Camellia sasanqua, Cephalotaxus harringtonia, Cornus sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Corylus colurna, Corylus sieboldiana, Corylus sieboldiana mandschurica, Fagus sylvatica, Glaucium flavum, Juglans cinerea, Juglans regia, Rhus verniciflua, Vitis vinifera.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

Vegtable Oils

Carolyn Switzer Wed Feb 23 15:39:19 2000

Hello - can anyone tell me if there are any formal studies on the medicinal properties of brassica juncea (Indian Mustard). I know this variety is not grown in the UK or US, but perhaps someone might have contacts working in South East Asia. I recently did an ethnographic study with women in low income communities of South Delhi and rural Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. I learned that mustard oil (from Indian mustard and others) is currently used for a number of ailments - from ear aches to massage for women in labour. Unfortunately I can`t find any documented research on it`s medicinal properties.

Also, does anyone have suggestions on where to find detailed information on med plants in Asia? ie. networks, conferences. Any info would be much appreciated.

Cheers, Carolyn S.

PS. I have quite enjoyed your user-friendly webpage - well done.

Vegtable Oils

Pedro Carlos M. da C. Alves Mon Feb 26 17:58:02 2001

Hello there!

I'm Portuguese Agroindustrial Eng. student. I love plants, hate polution and I prefer Vegetarian food.

I've one comment about VEGETABLE OILS: why aren't there the most healthy of ALL VEGETABLE OILS - those that are obtained from fruits: like OLIVE OIL, PALM OIL and DENDEM OIL?!

Bye! Pedro

Vegtable Oils

Colin Trier Thu May 3 08:45:14 2001

Hi There is a lot of interest in linseed oil as a very nutrionally balanced oil that can easily be grown in this country. Unfortunately it tends to pass through our digestive system rather rapidly (loosens the bowels as my grandfather would say. According to Joanna Budwig (an Internet search will bring up a lot on this rather special lady) cold pressed organic linseed oil can be assimilated more easily if mixed with cottage cheese or yogurt and is an important dietary way of fighting serious illness. Has anyone got advice on growing linseed?

Vegtable Oils

melgrace c. abandula Wed Jun 20 09:44:14 2001

hello to all, i was wondering if we can make a good wax out of coconut oil. im currently thinking about making wax out of coconut oil for long shelf life of fruits and vegetables. but i have also found out that coconut oil tends to become rancid and maybe coconut oil is not good for making wax. please help me. i hope you can apprise me about this matter asap. thank you and more power!!!

Vegtable Oils

Mon Sep 2 14:56:09 2002

I'm interested in the nutritional value of palm oil. Can anyone tell me about its nutritional qualities? I've heard conflicting information about it being very high in cholesterol. What is a good source to learn more about it.

Vegtable Oils

Tue Dec 24 16:03:33 2002

What are different types of plants that produce an edible oil? Please e-mail me if you know! Thanks!

Vegtable Oils

Marie Sun Feb 9 15:10:06 2003

Hello' thanks for the info on less common oil-plants. I would love plans for a home press, suited to olives, but I also need info on home extraction of rose-hip oil and grapeseed oil, as my local area has plenty of raw materials just begging to be harvested by the roadsides! The idea is to use these oils in soap production. The only home-scale press I've found is in the US, and pretty pricey. Any info would be received with delight! Thanks

Vegtable Oils

ADE faida Mon Aug 23 11:04:28 2004

Hey, read quite a lot about Johanna Budwig and her treatment of illnesses with flax, i'd like to have her e.mail. Moreso, i am more interested in obtaining seed oil where it would not be heated at all, The guys at www.folkecenter.com have one COLD PRESS OIL EXTRACTOR for sale but i've been unable to contact them, language barrier. could anyone ask them to contact me. Thanks folks.

Vegatable oils

Nico Thu Mar 10 2005

Hello. I?m a Spanish chemical eng. student. I have to disign an oil-seed extrator (for Colza o canola), but i don?t know anything about that. Is there someono who can help me? HELP Thanks

Vegatable oils

Doug Tue Aug 16 2005

I also need information about a home seed oil extractor machine. The only thing I have found so far is a diagram of an expeller press- which looks remarkably similar to a masticating wheatgrass juicer, or grain mill. Surely there is some way to extract oil from seeds at home?

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Seed oil processing for small-scale producers

Vegatable oils

Deva Tue Sep 27 2005

I have a Samson 6-in-1 juicer, which I bought an oil extraction attachment for.

Vegatable oils

Deva Tue Sep 27 2005

Try www.ethicaljuicers.co.uk.

Vegatable oils

ragav Wed Sep 28 2005

Hi, I have co. in india making COLD PRESSES for vegetable oils.We can supply extractors for virgin oils from the Cap 500KG/day to 45000 kg/day. regards, RAGAV

Vegatable oils

charles Thu Oct 20 2005

Who is the person interested in the nutritional value of palm oil? I have some information that I can share with you. It's one of the best vegetable oils. It certainly does not contain any cholesterol. I am trying to grow some of the trees on my land. There are a few trees near to where I work. When the fruits fall I sometimes collect a few for a quick snack.

Vegatable oils

Rich (pfaf webmaster) Wed Jan 11 2006

Plant Oils WWW Resources An extensive list of website relating to plant oils.

Vegatable oils

sundar Thu Feb 23 2006

this message is to carolyn switzer...carolyn..i am in south india. as you say, lots of spices that are grown and available only in india have numerous medicinal properties incuding mustard, pepper, turmeric. i am not sure where i can find on the internet about any specific research documents about it. but yeah..these days, almost all spices grown in india alone in the world are available at any part of the world. regards, Sundar (Ben)

Vegatable oils

sonia Sat Mar 4 2006

veg oil is cool

Vegatable oils

Sat Mar 4 2006

you can't spell vegetable!!!!

Vegatable oils

tara Thu Mar 16 2006

Which oil do you think is the best lubricant- cooking oil(canola), coconut oil or olive oil?

Vegatable oils

leonard ejiofor Thu May 18 2006

tamherb morenga oleifera oil(ben seed oil)

Vegatable oils

Tracy Tue Jun 20 2006

Hello Everyone from Los Angeles, California. I recently started using 100% used Veg oil in my 1981 Diesel Mercendes I only had a filter installed. Please everyone, if you live in a warm climate, buy a used diesel car, put the filter on it and drive using used veg oil from resturaunts that throw the stuff away. Hybrid Gas cars are not the future, a true recyclable BioFuel car is here now. Forget fuel cells and cleaner gasoline. Everyone should drive a 100 bio car. My exhaust of used veg oil is 100 percent absorbed by plants and trees. Good luck everyone, and dont forget your mother, mother nature that is. Thanks Mr. Tracy Turner

Vegatable oils

Antoinette Tue Sep 12 2006

we need to extract oils in the cheapest, easiest, most ACCESSIBLE way ever. it's for school. anybody have an idea? thanks, appreciate it.

Vegatable oils

Yash Kumar Jain Sat Sep 16 2006

Hi, I am fascinated with cold pressed vegetable oils and would like to own a cold press unit. I shall be glad if anybody can help me in procuring one.Please email me at kumarjainyash@yahoo.co.in Thanks

Vegatable oils

David Bruce Leonard Fri Jan 19 2007

If anyone has any ideas regarding how I might be able to extract Kamani oil at home, you can email me at doktorkitsch@hotmail.com Thank you

Vegatable oils

Dan McKee Wed Mar 28 2007

Hi everyone I would like any information on making my own more natural wood varnish from coconut oil. nI live in the Philippines. Thank you Dan

Vegatable oils

ben Thu Apr 19 2007

quick note. biofuels are NOT the future, not without a massive cut in demand for transportation fuel. if all uk agricultural land was used to grow seed oil crops for biodiesel etc, it would only replace 7% of the current petroleum diesel fuel used in this country. we can't all drive veg oil cars at anywhere near current usage and fed everyone.

Vegatable oils

favour edet Tue Sep 11 2007

please, i'm interested in knowing basically about the physical and chemical characteristics of crude soybean oil, can someone help me out. so far, the info seen is all about the seed. pls u can mail if u know. thanks

Vegatable oils

Arti Wed Sep 12 2007

i've recently found the benefits of virgin coconut iol, which is very good for hypothyroidism, constipation.also effective in weight loss. now i'm looking for a domestic cold press to extract oils of varios seeds and coconut at home. i'm in delhi. if anyone knows where to buy a cold press unit for home, pls email at ay.arti@gmail.com

Vegatable oils

Wendy Cane Sun Sep 30 2007

I have small screw press/oil extractors available for kitchen use. Works well with falx seeds, sunflower, hemp, and sesame. PRESS FRESH ORGANIC SEED OIL IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN! This oil extractor is a “cold press” unit. There is no heating element in this model. The stainless steel auger crushes the seed, and seed cake comes out the front, and oil comes out of slates in the stainless steel housing, into the juicing container. Similar to a larger biofuel screw press. As the oil is expelled, only the solid stainless steel auger and stainless steel internal parts touch the oil. This is the “Samson 6 in 1 Juicer Oil Attachment”, the extra attachment that was unavailable in the USA until now. It fits on the front end of the juicer, replacing the juicing parts. It is very easy to to use, to take apart and to clean. It will also fit most single auger juicers, including Oscar, Omega 8001 and 8002, Tribest Solo Star, Dimension 2000, Lexsun 9001, L’EQUIP Visor. It will not fit Omega 8003/8005. It is a well built unit that works well for culinary oil. We have used the Oil Extractor for Flax seed and sunflower seeds and the results are very good. We have used it with pecans that have been chopped first. It comes with plastic housing, a clear hopper, a removable solid stainless steel screw auger, a metal cleaning brush, and a fine screen that fits on the juicing receptacle. $89 plus shipping. Email wcane1@aol.com

Vegatable oils

Emma Thu Jan 31 2008

I have a Matstone 6in1 oil extractor and on first use (last night), it produced a teaspoon of oil before grinding to a halt. The machine then made unhappy noises and now I can't get the extractor off the machine - it's locked on tight. Can anyone help?

Vegatable oils

Johnny mcalister Wed Mar 12 2008

hi!!!!!!!

Vegatable oils

A. QAYISO Tue Apr 22 2008

i would like to know how vegetable oils are produced(production line)

Vegatable oils

ANIL LAKHA Mon May 26 2008

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A SMALL SEED COLD OIL PRESS

Vegatable oils

Ong Ai Wei Sat Dec 6 2008

I am interested in making my own healthy oils and hope to find a suitable good cold press. Can anyone help? Will be grateful for any information on the cold press. My email address is aiweiong46@yahoo.com.Thanks in advance.

Vegatable oils

RODICK TRINIDAD Sat Jan 10 2009

I WANT TO DISCOVER NEW SOURCE OF ENERGY CAN YOU HELP ME?

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