Avocado oil is one of the healthiest and most versatile oils you can use—both in your kitchen and as part of your natural skincare and wellness routine. Rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, vitamin E, and other essential nutrients, avocado oil supports heart health, improves skin texture, boosts hair vitality, and even plays a role in anti-aging routines.
But while high-quality avocado oil is prized, it often comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, with the right process and a bit of patience, you can make pure, homemade avocado oil from scratch using ripe avocados—right in your own kitchen.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn how to make avocado oil at home, step-by-step, with no special equipment. We’ll explore why homemade avocado oil is superior, how to extract it manually, and how to store and use it in culinary and cosmetic applications.
🥑 Why Make Avocado Oil at Home?
There are plenty of compelling reasons to make your own avocado oil:
1. Total Control Over Quality
You get to choose ripe, healthy avocados and ensure there are no additives, no preservatives, and no industrial refining.
2. Nutrient Retention
Homemade avocado oil retains more of its natural phytonutrients, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids since it’s never exposed to high refining temperatures.
3. Cost-Effective
Premium-grade avocado oil—especially cold-pressed, extra-virgin oil—can be expensive. Making your own significantly reduces costs over time.
4. Versatility
Homemade avocado oil can be used in:
- Cooking (frying, sautéing, roasting)
- Skincare (moisturizers, anti-aging serums)
- Haircare (deep conditioning masks)
- Therapeutic massage oils
High-CPC Keywords (used naturally): avocado oil benefits, extra virgin avocado oil, avocado oil for skin, natural hair treatment, best cooking oils, homemade skincare, anti-aging oils
🧾 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4–6 ripe Hass avocados (preferably organic)
Tools:
- A sharp kitchen knife
- Spoon
- Stovetop burner or hot skillet
- Cheesecloth (or nut milk bag)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Mixing bowl (glass or ceramic)
- Amber glass bottle or clean mason jar
- Wooden spoon or potato masher
✅ Step 1: Select a Ripe Avocado
Choosing the right avocados is critical for extracting high-quality oil.
Look for:
- Hass variety (high oil content)
- Slightly soft to the touch (not mushy)
- Skin color that is dark green or almost black
- No cracks, bruises, or mold
Avoid overripe avocados, as they can spoil the aroma and flavor of your oil.
🔥 Step 2: Lightly Heat the Avocados
This is a unique and essential step. Place the whole unpeeled avocado directly over an open flame (such as a stovetop burner) or on a hot skillet.
Why heat them?
The warmth loosens up the fat molecules inside the flesh, making the oil easier to extract without altering its natural composition.
Instructions:
- Heat for 2–4 minutes, rotating occasionally
- The skin should darken slightly or begin to brown
- Remove and let cool—do not cook thoroughly
⚠️ Note: Overheating will degrade the oil and destroy valuable nutrients.
🧊 Step 3: Let It Cool and Slice
After heating, allow the avocado to rest for 1–2 minutes so it’s safe to handle.
- Cut it in half lengthwise
- Carefully remove the seed
- Scoop out all the soft, warm flesh into a mixing bowl
🥄 Step 4: Mash and Extract the Oil
Method A: Quick Press
- Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash the avocado into a soft paste
- Scoop the pulp into a cheesecloth or fine muslin bag
- Squeeze over a bowl to release the green-gold oil
Method B: Slow Drip (Purer Oil)
- Place the avocado mash into a cheesecloth
- Tie it and hang it over a bowl for 4–6 hours
- Let gravity slowly extract the pure oil
This method produces cleaner, sediment-free oil with a longer shelf life.
🧴 Step 5: Store and Preserve
Once extracted, your avocado oil should be stored immediately.
Instructions:
- Transfer into a sterilized amber glass bottle or dark mason jar
- Store in a cool, dark place, or in the fridge
Shelf Life:
- Refrigerated: 5 to 7 days
- Room temperature: 3 to 5 days (cool and dark)
Optional: Add a few drops of natural vitamin E oil to extend the shelf life and prevent oxidation.
🌿 Nutritional Composition of Homemade Avocado Oil
| Component | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Monounsaturated fats | ~70% |
| Polyunsaturated fats | ~13% |
| Saturated fats | ~12% |
| Vitamin E | 8–10 mg per 100g |
| Oleic acid | Abundant |
| Lutein (antioxidant) | Present |
| Smoke point | Up to 480°F (250°C) |
Click page 2 for more
