In the field of natural care, vegetable oils are essential and ideal companions for a good use of essential oils. Some vegetable oils by their intrinsic properties complement admirably the actions of essential oils. While taking care of the skin, they make it possible to dilute essential oils, in order to attenuate their possible aggressiveness. These vegetable oils are used for massages, for the elaboration of natural cosmetic care, to accompany the "health" actions of essential oils or they accompany and bring dietetic benefits to culinary preparations.
In addition to the intrinsic properties of vegetable oils, the first criteria of choice must be based on :
- the origin of the seeds or oilseeds pressed: wild or natural crops without chemical inputs and if possible of organic origin
- the equipment and extraction method for obtaining the oils: pressure or cold extraction without chemical additives or solvents. Ideally, the pressing temperature should not exceed 30°C so that the oil retains a maximum of gustatory, dietetic and cosmetic properties. Some producers explain that the temperature during extraction can exceed 60° by simple mechanical heating. In spite of this, the oil will keep its name of "cold pressure".
- the container in which they will be packaged: colored (non-contaminating) glass bottle
- storage conditions for keeping them: away from direct light and at temperate temperatures. It is obvious that the sooner the oil is consumed, the longer it will benefit from all its properties. Because vegetable oils are generally fragile and subject to oxidation.
In summary the characteristics of a good vegetable oil are : (Extra) Virgin First Cold Pressed and we should add: Fresh. By privileging of course the organic or artisanal productions and by avoiding the oils resulting from the large chains of industrial productions.
All these conditions guarantee the conservation of all the properties of the seeds or oilseeds used for the manufacture of these oils.
Let's take a look at 6 vegetable oils: