Sweet almond oil is primarily produced by cold pressing or expeller pressing the kernels of the sweet almond tree (Prunus dulcis var. dulcis). Both methods involve mechanically pressing the kernels to extract the oil, but they differ in the use of heat during the process.
Where does almond oil come from?
According to Ph.Eur. 2002, almond oil can be obtained from the ripe seeds of Prunus amygdalus var. amare and var. dulcis, which means that the oil may originate from sweet almonds, bitter almonds, or from a mixture of both. It is cold pressed and sometimes then refined. After the impurities and shells have been removed, the dry almonds are pressed.
What is almond oil?
In the almond oil monograph in EP 7.0, defined as “ Amygdalae oleum raffinatum ” and its fatty oil was obtained from the ripe seeds of P. dulcis var. dulcis or P. dulcis var. amara or a mixture of both varieties by cold expression. Then, it is refined. A suitable antioxidants may be added.
Why is almond oil important?
Almond oil, a rich source of macronutrients and micronutrients, is extracted for food flavorings and the cosmetics industry. In recent years, the need for high-quality and high-quantity production of almond oil for human consumption has been increased.