Upgrade your cooking with these 5 healthy oils
What's the story
African oils have been a vegetarian's best friend, adding unique flavors and health benefits. These oils are extracted from various seeds, nuts, and fruits endemic to the continent. They are packed with nutrients and can elevate the taste of your dishes. In this article, we take a look at five must-have African oils that can be used in your vegetarian cooking, adding flavor and nutrition.
Baobab oil
Baobab oil: Nutrient-rich choice
Extracted from the seeds of the "tree of life"—the baobab tree—this oil is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and F. Baobab oil has a light nutty flavor that goes well with salads and dressings. Its high antioxidant content makes it a great addition for health-conscious people looking to add a nutritious touch to their meals.
Argan oil
Argan oil: Versatile culinary use
Argan oil is derived from the kernels of argan trees mainly found in Morocco. It has a mild nutty taste that adds to both savory and sweet dishes. Loaded with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil promotes heart health when used regularly in cooking. It's perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables or mixing into dips.
Marula oil
Marula oil: Smooth flavor addition
Marula oil comes from the fruit kernels of marula trees that are native to southern Africa. With its smooth texture and subtle fruity flavor, it goes well with grain-based salads or drizzled over cooked vegetables as a finishing touch. The oil is rich in oleic acid, which maintains healthy cholesterol levels when included as a part of the balanced diet.
Palm kernel oil
Palm kernel oil: High heat stability
Palm kernel oil comes from the seeds of palm trees, which are abundantly grown throughout West Africa. It has high heat stability, so it can be used for frying purposes without breaking down at high temperatures like some oils do. This ensures that the quality remains the same while cooking processes like sauteing or stir-frying vegetables, and their natural flavors remain intact throughout preparation stages involved therein too.
Sesame seed oil
Sesame seed oil: Distinctive nutty aroma
Sesame seed oil is found primarily in East Africa, where sesame plants grow in abundance due to the area's favorable climate. Historically, this has been the case, and it has been documented extensively over centuries since the plants were first cultivated. Now, recorded officially, sesame seed oil has achieved worldwide recognition, leading to its ultimate popularity. Thus, it has been acknowledged forevermore.