Make your own sunflower oil, using a home oil press.
Motivated home cooks make everything from scratch. Making your own oils from seeds allows you to appreciate the ancient process of oil extraction. Extract your own oil at home using a hand-cranked oil press. Some types of juicers also have an oil press option. Oil-producing seeds that are well suited for a home cook include sunflower, sesame, poppy, mustard, grape and pumpkin seeds. Many types of nuts, such as almonds and peanuts, can also be used to make oils.
Instructions
1. Shell or remove the hulls, if necessary, and rinse the seeds. Dirt can damage the oil press and dust can absorb and inhibit the extraction of oil.
2. Dry the seeds if they are fresh. Spread them evenly on a cookie sheet and place them in a dry, ventilated environment for at least two days.
3. Heat the seeds, using a double boiler. Fill the bottom of a larger pot with water. Place the seeds in a smaller pot. Set the smaller pot in the larger pot. Bring the water to a boil on the stove. The seeds are largely heated by steam. Heat the seeds for five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are hot to the touch.
4. Pour the hot seeds into the hopper of the oil press.
5. Place a glass or plastic bottle under the extraction spout of the oil press.
6. Turn the handle of the oil press slowly as seeds are pressed and the oil is released.
7. Label the container. Research the shelf life of the particular type of seed oil you made and include an expiration date. Store the oil in the sealed container in a cool, dark cabinet or pantry, or in the refrigerator.
Tags: Heat seeds