Avocado oil is a popular choice for cooking in many households due to its high smoke point, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. But like olive oil, finding an authentic bottle of pure avocado oil can sometimes be a gamble. Here's what you should know when shopping for the good stuff.
Unfortunately, there's no foolproof way to tell at home for certain if your avocado oil is 100% pure and good to use. However, there are some clues to give you a better idea:
Color: Real virgin avocado oil will have a greenish tint, while refined avocado oil is a lighter yellow or almost clear. If your oil is a bright yellow, it might be cut with another oil.
Price: Avocado oil tends to be on the pricier side. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Taste and Smell: Fresh avocado oil has a subtle, buttery flavor with a hint of grass or mushrooms. Rancid oil will smell stale or play-doughy.
Buy from reputable stores. Stick with well-known grocery stores or specialty food shops less likely to carry adulterated products.
Check the label. Look for labels that say "100% avocado oil" or "avocado oil, cold-pressed." Avoid anything with vague terms like "avocado oil blend."
Look for a harvest date. A fresher harvest date suggests a higher quality oil.
Don't overdo it. Buy in smaller quantities to prevent it from oxidizing before it can be used completely.
Store it correctly. Store in a cool, dark place away from heat.
Because there aren't any regulatory standards placed on avocado oils, it can be hard to know which are pure. In 2020, UC Davis produced a study to determine the best quality avocado oils on the market. The study tested 22 domestic and imported avocado oils available in stores and online. Fifteen of the samples were oxidized before the expiration date, making them unreliable. In all, just three samples made the grade:
CalPure
Identifying real avocado oil isn't always easy, but by employing some smart shopping habits and implementing these helpful tips, you're sure to grab a good bottle on your next trip to the supermarket.