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Walnut Oil - Delicate and Delicious in Salad Dressings
Walnut oil has a subtle, nutty taste and a medium yellow color. Its distinctive flavor makes it obvious where it comes from. Walnut oil is obtained from walnuts that are pressed to extract the natural oil and can be used for baking and cooking. Its smoke point of 400ºF means you can fry with it, although heating to high temperatures removes flavor and healthy antioxidants and also gives a slightly bitter taste.
Walnut oil is more expensive than a lot of other oils so it is mostly used to make salad dressings, often mixed with some less fragrant oil. This oil can also be used for pan frying and to flavor fish and steaks. For pan frying, it is best to use peanut oil or butter with a little walnut oil mixed in. Walnut oil is also used in dessert recipes. Most walnut oil comes from France and is used a lot in French cuisine. Other main producers include New Zealand, California, and Australia.
Non-Culinary Uses
Walnut oil is a good oil paint thinner and was used extensively by Renaissance artists. Alternative oils are used for painters today since walnut oil is hard to find and becomes rancid if stored improperly. Woodworkers sometimes use it to finish implements that will come into contact with food, such as wooden bowls and chopping boards.
Black Walnut Oil
The black walnut tree is a common species in Eastern North America. The nuts from this tree have a tough shell and a small kernel. Black walnut oil is considered a gourmet oil. It can be used in frostings, cakes, and hard candy, amongst other uses. You can buy black walnut oil in gourmet food stores. A slightly blander, cheaper variety can be bought in health food stores.
Walnut Oil Benefits
Like canola oil, walnut oil is substantially rich in omega-3 fats. It also has omega-6 fatty acids. These 2 types of fatty acids help to improve the skin, reduce inflammation, and stabilize hormones. Walnut oil contains high levels of omega-9, which is a monounsaturated fat and helps to keep your arteries supple. If you have dermatitis or eczema, 2 teaspoons of walnut oil a day can really help. Walnut oil is high in vitamin E, which is beneficial for hormones in both men and women.
In addition to the above, walnut oil contains gallic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antiseptic properties, ellagic acid which is a cancer-protective antioxidant and malic acid which has antioxidant and antiseptic properties.
Walnut Oil Shelf Life
This oil tends to be more perishable than other oils. Because walnut oil is minimally processed, it can become rancid quickly. It should be refrigerated and used within 3 months. It will solidify in the refrigerator but just bring it to room temperature before using it and it will become a liquid again.
Suggested Uses for Walnut Oil
- Use walnut oil for dessert recipes in which a nutty flavor would complement the dish
- Add it to a turkey or chicken salad with some chopped walnuts and grapes
- Toss freshly cooked pasta in walnut oil and spices, sprinkle with parmesan cheese
- Drizzle it over steamed vegetables
- Brush a thin layer of walnut oil on grilled steaks and fish just before serving
