Hey there mates! 🥑 

Alright, we get it – we Soilmates are super hyped about avocado oil. But have you heard all the buzz that's going around about avocado oil? Whether you’re drizzling it over your salad, frying up a storm, or even pampering your skin, avocado oil is here to transform your life in the most delightful ways. And yes, we hear you wonder: what is this hype all about? Dive into the world of avocado oil with us to explore what makes it such a champion. Stay tuned, because this gets good.

GETTING TO KNOW AVOCADO OIL

Before we get all emotional about this green goodness, let’s break it down. Avocado oil is pressed from the avocado’s flesh. Each avocado – depending on the season and quality – gives an average of 17 ml of oil. The great thing is that it can be pressed from avocados in a variety of states: the ripe, ready-to-eat ones from the supermarket and the 'uglys' with bumps and bruises. Because just like in society, we believe true beauty lies within. 

Avocado oil isn’t just another pretty face in the culinary world; it's packed with nutrients that do wonders for your body. Here’s why it is so special:

• Healthy Fats: Loaded with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, like oleic acid, it helps maintain cholesterol levels and supports cardiovascular health.
• Vitamins Galore: It's a great source of vitamins A, D, and E, all essential for that glowing skin, sharp vision, and a rock-solid immune system. We love avocado oil, and we for sure love living a vibrant life! 
• Antioxidants: Packed with antioxidants like lutein, avocado oil promotes optimal eye health, making sure you see the world with clarity and brightness.

WHY IT'S THE CHAMP OF OILS

Avocado oil is one of the healthiest oils around. With the highest burning point amongst plant-based oils – sizzling up to a blazing 270ºC (520ºF), it keeps its nutrients intact while others lose theirs. 

Filled with unsaturated fat like oleic acid, it beats saturated fats found in coconut oil and butter. Plus, it stays longer fresh compared to oils like sunflower and corn, thanks to its low oxidation rate. And don't forget its boost of omega-9 and antioxidant vitamin E!

LET’S GET COOKING!

So, you’ve got your bottle of avocado oil. Now what? The possibilities are endless! Here are some fun ways to incorporate this versatile oil into your culinary repertoire:

1. High-Heat Hero: With its high smoke point, avocado oil is your go-to for frying, roasting, and grilling. Say goodbye to burnt food and hello to crispy, delicious perfection!
2. Salad Superstar: Drizzle avocado oil over your greens or whisk it into a tangy vinaigrette. Its mild, nutty flavor complements any salad ingredient beautifully.
3. Bake Better: Swap out butter or other oils with avocado oil in your baking recipes. It adds a subtle richness and ensures your treats stay moist and delightful.
4. Dips and Delights: Mix avocado oil into homemade mayonnaise, pesto, or aioli for a smooth, creamy texture that takes your dips and sauces to the next level.

WILL IT AVOCA-DO ANYTHING TO MY FOOD'S FLAVOR?

The flavor of avocado oil comes down to how it’s produced: is it extra-virgin, cold-pressed, or refined? Extra-virgin and cold-pressed avocado oils are bright green and have a rich, nutty taste. Refined versions, like Soilmates Avocado Oil, have been naturally filtered of impurities and are clear in color and more subtle in flavor. Long story short: no worries about overpowering flavors, unlike sesame, or peanut oil.

AVOCADOS AND SUSTAINABILITY

But let's be honest. We also have read the news, and even though avocado oil has some great health benefits, we cannot ignore the big question mark around the impact on the environment. This includes water usage, social and economic factors in avocado-growing regions, and avocado waste both globally and within the EU.

While avocados require a lot of water, technology is luckily improving to reduce waste and enhance water efficiency through better irrigation and rainwater usage. But did you know that avocados have a ‘medium’ water footprint? It is lower than, for example, apricots, mangoes, cherries, and sweetcorn. And compared to other fruits such as tomatoes and bananas, avocados have the largest nutritional value per liter of water used to harvest it.

And we are happy to see that a lot of mates around us are trying to step up for sustainability. Farmers, importers, retailers, and consumers are all taking major strides to become more environmentally and socially responsible, more conscious of their – our! – collective impact on the food industry and earth. Farmers are adopting programs like GLOBALG.A.P for responsible practices. Retailers are boosting transparency with annual sustainability reports focused on reducing food waste. Consumers are embracing imperfect produce and choosing more sustainable diets.

Despite these efforts, millions of avocados are shipped to the Netherlands each week, only to be rejected for not meeting being ‘pretty enough’ for stores. And until that ends, Soilmates will always be ready to come to the rescue!

SOILMATES: TURNING UGLY INTO OIL

Soilmates care about both body and soil. We believe nature provides everything we need: starting from our soil. Which is why our Avocado Oil is pressed from ‘category two’ or ‘industrial’ avocados only – the ones that have been rejected by supermarkets for being ‘too ugly’ for their shelves. Soilmates Avocado Oil contains 30 of these ‘uglys’, contributing to the eight million avocados rejected weekly in the Netherlands alone.

Our 'uglys' are sourced locally and all come from GLOBALG.A.P-certified farms. They’re just as nutritious as their prettier counterparts you find at the supermarket. Speaking of which, that’s where you can grab your bottle of Soilmates Avocado Oil: 100% ‘ugly’ avocado oil. Your new best friend in the kitchen.

THE GREEN RECAP 

So there you have it, mates! Avocado oil isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a delicious, nutritious, and great addition to your kitchen and beauty routine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a skincare fanatic, there’s something in avocado oil for everyone to love. So go ahead, embrace the green gold, and add a sprinkle of health and happiness to your life. And remember, next time you drizzle, fry, bake, or moisturize, – you’re using avocado oil, the green gem that's packed with nutrients and benefits.