We all know that fruits and vegetables are good for the digestive system, and plums are particularly well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for gut health. But have you ever tried using plum oil?
Plum oil, otherwise known as plum kernel oil, is made by pressing the kernels of French Ente plums. It is a lightweight, non-greasy carrier oil, which is very popular in both the skincare and haircare industries. It is also edible and can be used as a finishing oil on meals or as a complement to fruit sauces.
If you’ve never heard of plum oil or are keen to learn more about it, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’re going to learn all there is to learn about plum oil, from how it’s made, to its uses and benefits. We’ll also go through some facts on plum oil in terms of shelf life and how it looks/smells, plus some good alternatives if you’re looking for a substitute for plum oil.
What is plum oil made from?
Plum oil is made from the kernels of plums. These kernels are collected and rinsed, before being cracked open to reveal the almonds within the pits. These are slowly pressed to extract the oil, at which point it is either used raw or refined and sold.
France is the biggest producer of plum oil, due to the growth of Ente plums in this area. It is generally made in southwestern France and is cold-pressed in this region too.
Uses for plum oil
As plum oil can be used both in an edible sense and within the cosmetic industry, there are a range of uses for this versatile carrier oil.
Here are some top uses for plum oil that would be worth trying out:
- As a finishing oil on food
- To complement fruit sauces/desserts
- Combined with carrier oils or essential oils for aromatherapy purposes
- As a facial oil
- As a hair-finishing oil
- As a lip balm
Benefits of plum oil
Here are some key benefits of plum oil that make it a highly popular carrier oil!
- Rich in oleic fatty acids
- Rich in vitamin E
- Very hydrating for the skin
- Absorbs into the skin easily
- Has a subtle scent
- No major allergens
- Low comedogenic rating of 1-2
- Suitable for all skin types (dry, normal and oily)
- Shelf life of at least 2 years
- Helps to reduce inflammation
Appearance and scent of plum oil
Plum oil is said to have a sweet, yet subtle, scent, that reminds many people of almonds or marzipan.
It tends to be light yellow in color, however this will vary depending on the refinement process as bleaching may have been carried out to make the oiler clearer in appearance.
Substitutes for plum oil
Some popular substitutes for plum oil include the following:
- Apricot oil
- Cherry kernel oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Coconut oil
Shelf life and storage of plum oil
If stored correctly, plum oil should last at least 2 years. The best way to store plum oil is in a cool, dark area that is away from direct sunlight.
FAQ
Here are some questions that are often asked about plum oil to give you a more thorough understanding of this popular carrier oil:
Plum oil is used for its skincare benefits and nourishment for the hair.
It is believed to plump and brighten the skin, protecting against environmental damage, and also cellular skin repair.
Plum oil is made from the kernels of plums, otherwise known as plum seeds. Inside the kernels of fresh plums are almonds, which once shelled are then crushed and pressed to extract the oil within.
Once the oil has been extracted it is then decanted and filtered, before either being used raw or going through a refinement process.
Plum oil helps to reduce inflammation, as well as making the skin look brighter, plumper, and generally healthier.
It is also great for adding hydration to dry skin as it is rich in good fatty acids and antioxidants which are beneficial for hydrating the skin and preventing early aging signs.
Plum oil is said to have a sweet aroma, and is said to remind people of almonds or marzipan.
It is not generally considered to be an overpowering scent, which will be an advantage for those who prefer their skincare products to either have a mild scent or be unscented altogether.
Plum oil can be used in cooking as an alternative to bitter almond oil, as it provides a similar taste with a sweeter undertone.
It does not taste like plums but instead provides a more almond/marzipan taste that can be a great addition to cooking, baking, and general flavoring.
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