Contents
General description
Pecan oil is quite rare and valuable, it is extracted from the fruit of a tree that grows in North America. The pecan is considered the closest relative of the walnut; under its thin shell, a fruit is hidden, which has valuable nutritional properties.
Pecans – one of the most nourishing nuts, not only are extremely nutritious, but also contain many vitamins and minerals.
It is thanks to this that the Indians have long used it in order to survive long wintering. When taken orally, pecan prevents the development of vascular and vein diseases, lowers cholesterol, and also restores energy and strength, and supports anemia.
For the manufacture of the highest quality oil, cold-pressed technology is used, which makes it possible to preserve all the possible useful properties of nuts. Pecan oil has a flavor reminiscent of olive, with a delicate golden hue and a pleasant nutty flavor.
It should be noted that the concentration of beneficial nutrients in the oil is very high, much higher than in the nuts themselves. The biologically active components of pecan oil have many benefits, mainly a positive effect on the circulatory system.
This product is used for both internal and external use in most cases. Known for its preventive ability in the fight against colds, as well as anti-aging properties.
Pecan oil history
Pecan grows on huge trees that can reach a height of forty meters. The trees are long-lived and can bear fruit for up to 300 years.
The native land of the plant is considered to be North America, where the wild nuts were originally collected by the Indians. They prepared them for future use in case of a hungry winter, because nuts were as nutritious as meat. Nowadays, many varieties of pecans are cultivated in the United States, and they are still the traditional favorite nut of Americans.
Outwardly, the nut is similar to the walnut, and is its relative. But the taste and aroma of pecan is much softer and brighter, and the absence of bitterness makes it an excellent addition to desserts.
How to choose
It is worth choosing cold-pressed oil, which should have a delicate aroma and a solid color without flakes and sediment.
How to store pecan oil
Store open oil in a cool, dark place in a glass container with a tightly closed lid.
Pecan oil in cooking
Pecan oil is most commonly used to dress a variety of rice, polenta, mushroom and salad dishes. This product goes well with fish dishes (including trout), poultry and meat dishes. For example, it can be added to batter when frying fish.
This oil is also served in combination with balsamic vinegar and cheeses. Additionally, pecan butter can add a nutty flavor to any homemade baked goods. Caloric content Of course, the calorie content of oil is very high. Therefore, if you dress salads with it, do not overdo it.
Nutritional value per 100 grams:
Proteins, – gr
Fat, 99.8 g
Carbohydrates, – gr
Ash, – gr
Water, – gr
Caloric content, kcal 898
Benefits of pecan oil
Composition and presence of nutrients
Pecan oil contains up to 15% proteins, the same amount of carbohydrates and about 70% fatty acids. Vitamins E, A, B, folic acid, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium make this product very valuable for the skin. Pecan oil contains unsaturated fatty acids (2% Omega-3, 42% Omega-6, 47% Omega-9) and saturated fatty acids (7% palmitic and 2% stearic).
Useful and medicinal properties
For medicinal purposes, pecan butter is advised to be consumed internally or as an external remedy. It perfectly helps with headaches, in the treatment of colds and strengthening the heart and blood vessels.
When applied externally, this oil reduces hematomas, relieves irritation, heals sunburn, insect bites, and various fungal and bacterial infections. The pecan product is believed to have beneficial effects on the health of the elderly and also to protect against carcinogens.
This oil is often used for varicose veins and to enhance immunity and cell renewal. Pecan oil is recommended for the care of dry and mature skin, it is often used as a massage oil, as it can provide perfect glide. Use in cosmetology.
In modern medicine, pecans are not used, and even in folk medicine, the nut is little known. Tribes in North America sometimes brew tree leaves or extract oil from nuts, considering it medicinal.
Masks-scrubs are made on the basis of crushed pecans to nourish and cleanse the skin with soft nut particles. Pecan oil is added to various cosmetics to enhance their effect. In its pure form, the oil moisturizes the skin and helps fight stretch marks.
Use in cosmetology
For cosmetic purposes, pecan nut oil is used to soften, moisturize, tone and nourish the skin. This product has an excellent anti-aging and regenerating effect, and the thinnest protective film that forms on the skin after using the oil protects the skin from the effects of harmful environmental factors.
Cosmetics with this oil are suitable for all skin types, but are considered especially beneficial for dry and mature skin. The oil enhances the skin’s ability to recover from sunburn, irritation, acne and insect bites, heals microcracks and fights fungal infections.
In case of burns, it is advised to mix the oils of pecans and wheat germs, or add essential oils of cajaput, geranium, lemon, rose and grapefruit to the base oil. So, you can apply pecan oil in a mixture with a product from wheat germ (1: 1) to the affected areas.
The second option involves adding 2-3 drops of essential oils to a tablespoon of pecan oil. Due to its excellent glide properties, this product is often used as a massage oil.
The massage effect can be easily enhanced by adding 1-2 drops of aromatic oils of rosemary, which perfectly warms up, lavender, which soothes the skin, or ylang-ylang, which has an exciting effect, per tablespoon of the base oil. Pecan oil is useful in nail care.
Most often, a mixture of this product with lemon and ylang-ylang essential oils is used for this. To do this, add 1-2 drops of aromatic oils to a tablespoon of nut oil. Regular rubbing of this product into your nails and periungual skin helps to reduce fragility, restore strength and improve the appearance of nails.
And if you add 2 drops of wheat germ oil and essential oils of frankincense, myrrh or galbanum to 10 ml of pecan oil, you get an excellent remedy for strengthening brittle nails, which needs to be carefully treated once a week each nail separately. It is especially advised to do this in summer and winter 2-3 times a week for 2 months.
How to make pecan oil cream
You can also prepare from oil and no less useful oil hand cream, which perfectly heals small cracks and relieves dry skin. You need to take 2 tablespoons of onion juice, 3 tablespoons of pecan and peach oils, 5 tablespoons of almond and peanut oil, 1 teaspoon of borax, 4 tablespoons of glycerin.
All oils and glycerin must be melted in a water bath. At this time, in another container, it is necessary to dissolve borax in warm water, and then mix the contents of both vessels and add onion juice there. Pecan oil, like walnut products, is considered a natural tanning agent. To do this, you can prepare a mixture of 100 ml of base oil, 20 drops of wild carrot oil and 10 drops of bergamot, tangerine or neroli essential oil.
It is advised to apply the finished product only in the evening on the eve of the day when you plan to sunbathe. Pecan oil is also considered a good remedy for improving the condition of fine, dry, brittle hair.
To obtain a hair mask based on pecan oil, you need to beat an egg, add a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of oil to it. This mixture is rubbed into the head and wrapped in a hot towel.
After 30-40 minutes, you can wash your hair. Interestingly, wrapping helps to improve blood circulation, makes hair pliable in styling and allows for a beautiful appearance. For various skin problems, inflammation, irritation, damage, you can use pure pecan oil, lubricating the affected areas with it 2-4 times a day.
Dangerous properties of pecan oil
Pecan oil has no particular contraindications, apart from obesity and allergic reactions.
The main harm of pecan lies in its high calorie content. Even people without excess weight should not get carried away with this nut, since overeating can cause indigestion.
For obesity, liver problems and a tendency to severe allergies, it is best not to eat pecans at all to avoid worsening the condition. Nuts are strong allergens, so nursing mothers and children under 3 years old need to exclude pecans from the diet.
Pecan pie
This delicacy can be afforded only occasionally, since it is very high in calories. The honey in the filling can be replaced with maple syrup or even thick yogurt – but you have to adjust the sweetness by adding extra sugar. The cake is large, the amount of ingredients can be reduced if a smaller portion is required.
For the test
- Wheat flour – 2 cups
- Butter – 200 gr
- Egg – 1 piece
- Cream (from 33% fat) or fat sour cream – 4 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 4 tablespoons
For filling
- Pecans – 120 g
- Large egg – 2 pieces
- Brown sugar – to taste
- Liquid honey or maple syrup – 250 gr
- Butter – 70 gr