How to Make Homemade Avocado Oil from Scraps: A Sustainable and Nutritious DIY Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Avocado Oil from Scraps

Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Scraps

Start by gathering the avocado skins and seeds from your used avocados. These are the parts that usually end up in the trash, but they actually contain a significant amount of oil. Wash the skins and seeds thoroughly to remove any remaining fruit flesh or dirt. Cleanliness is crucial to ensure that your homemade oil stays fresh and safe to use.

Step 2: Process the Seeds and Skins

Once clean, cut the avocado seeds into smaller pieces using a sharp knife. This step is important as it increases the surface area, allowing more nutrients and oil to be extracted during the infusion process. Similarly, tear the avocado skins into smaller pieces.

Step 3: Infuse the Oil

Place the chopped avocado seeds and skins into a clean glass jar. Next, pour your chosen cooking oil over the avocado scraps until they are fully submerged. The type of oil you use can vary depending on your preference—extra virgin olive oil will add a fruity flavor, while coconut oil will lend a subtle sweetness. The key is to use a high-quality oil that you are comfortable using in your cooking or skincare routine.

Once filled, seal the jar tightly with its lid. Shake the jar gently to ensure the oil is evenly distributed and fully covers the avocado scraps.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Infuse

Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator and allow it to infuse for 24 hours. The cold environment helps the oil absorb the beneficial compounds from the avocado skins and seeds. Be careful not to exceed 24 hours, as keeping the avocado scraps in the oil for too long can lead to an undesirable taste or spoilage.

Step 5: Strain the Oil

After the infusion period, remove the jar from the refrigerator. The oil should now have a slightly greenish or brownish tint, indicating that it has absorbed the nutrients and oils from the avocado scraps.

Using a strainer or cheesecloth, carefully strain the oil into a clean bowl or jar, separating the liquid from the solid scraps. Press down on the scraps to extract as much oil as possible. Discard the used skins and seeds, or compost them if possible.

Step 6: Store and Use Your Homemade Avocado Oil

Pour the strained avocado oil into a clean, airtight container for storage. Keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to maintain its freshness. This homemade avocado oil can be used in a variety of ways:

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