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Oils Photo © : IPD/Moroccan Beauty Secrets Cold-pressed oils from developing and emerging countries Valuable ingredients and exciting flavours Cold-pressed edible oils are a valuable addition to the diet. They usually have a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids and secondary plant substances. At the same time, they are valued for their unique flavour. Due to the purely mechanical pressing process, cold-pressed oils retain the flavour and aroma of the oilseed or fruit and can therefore add an aromatic refinement to dishes. The Import Promotion Desk (IPD), a project of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, works with producers from developing and emerging countries who produce special oils from regional seeds and fruits. The import promotion initiative supports the companies in introducing their products to the EU market. “The demand for fine edible oils made from special seeds and fruits is high among European buyers”, says María Paula Gómez, Sourcing + Markets Specialist at the IPD. “In addition to the high-quality fatty acids, the added flavour is their particular advantage.” Avocado oil: liquid pulp Coconut and avocado oil enrich the range of cold-pressed edible oils. Both are not obtained from seeds, but preserve the flavour of their fruit. The origin of avocado oil can also be recognised by its colour - usually intense green. Avocados are one of the fattiest plant foods. They are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids. These can be easily utilised by the body and thus play an important role. For example, they have a positive effect on heart health. In addition, some nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins, require fat in order to be absorbed by the 36 No. 3 November/December 2024
Oils body. Ripe avocados also provide vitamins and minerals, for instance vitamins A, E, K and the B group, as well as folic acid, potassium and calcium. Avocado oil contains these ingredients in a concentrated form. By carefully processing the avocados, producers such as “Avocados del Quindío” from Colombia ensure that the fruit’s ingredients, flavour and colour are preserved. The family business, which has been in the IPD programme since 2022, processes carefully selected avocados from small farmers in the region. The ripe flesh of the Hass avocado is removed and ground with water. The oil is then extracted by cold pressing, whereby the temperature must not rise above 27° C. The extracted oil is filtered to obtain a purer product with a higher oil content. WOMEN’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OUR NATURAL SOLUTIONS Avocado oil has a buttery flavour and is ideal for many dishes, such as salad dressings. However, although it is a cold-pressed oil, it is also suitable for cooking and frying. It is very heat-stable and can be heated up to approx. 250° C. Good for the body TURMERIC Curcuma longa ASHWAGANDHA Withania somnifera High-quality oils, such as avocado, coconut, argan and moringa oil, are also used in the cosmetics industry. They are used for body and skin care products. They are highly moisturizing and, depending on the ingredients, help to increase the elasticity of the skin, reduce inflammation and support cell regeneration. SHATAVARI SKINCERA Asparagus racemosus Amorphophallus konjac standardised in phytoceramides V I D Y A E U R O P E . E U Photo © : IPD/CO Avocados del Quindío 6, avenue de la Baltique 91140, Villebon-sur-Yvette FRANCE No. 3 November/December 2024 37
