Although the benefits and advantages of almonds are well known, it is possible to prepare almond oil right at home using the almonds themselves. This does not require expensive equipment or purchasing special ingredients from stores. The process of extracting oil from almonds is quite simple and involves several steps: soaking, grinding, and separating the oil.
This article presents two different methods for obtaining almond oil from almonds. One of these methods may prove particularly convenient for those who want to carry out the entire process at home without using mechanical devices. Almond oil is valued for its use in hair and skin care, especially during the cold season. Below, the entire process is described in detail, starting from soaking the almonds and ending with oil separation.
Preparing the almonds: soaking
To begin the almond oil preparation process, you need to take about 600 grams of almonds. These nuts should be soaked in water for approximately 5–8 hours. After the almonds have fully swelled, they must be thoroughly rinsed and the water drained. Then, the soaked almonds should be placed on a sieve to remove excess liquid. After this, they must be spread evenly on a baking sheet and allowed to dry completely. It is critically important that the almonds are absolutely dry, as residual moisture can cause problems in subsequent processing stages.
Roasting and grinding the almonds
After the almonds have dried, they should be lightly roasted in the oven for a few minutes. Then, they must be cooled and ground.
Two ways to extract almond oil
There are two approaches to obtaining oil from almonds. In the first method, the ground almonds are mixed with a small amount of warm water, ensuring that the mixture does not become too liquid. When thin layers or drops of oil begin to appear in the ground almonds, it signals that the oil can be extracted by pressing.
First method: extraction using fabric
The ground almond mass is placed in a muslin cloth, a milk protein bag, or any other clean fabric. Then, this mass is carefully squeezed to press out the oil. The resulting oil is filtered into a separate container. If small almond particles remain in the oil, it should be filtered two or three more times, or as many times as necessary. After this, if the oil is left undisturbed for some time, the remaining particles will settle at the bottom, and the top layer of oil will become clearer.
Second method: using a blender
In the second case, the almonds are ground in a food processor or blender until they form a smooth paste resembling almond oil. This paste is then placed in a glass jar and left in a dry and warm place for about 10 days or up to two weeks. Over time, oil will begin to collect on the surface of the paste, which can then be separated and used.
Using almond oil for skin in winter
During the winter period, the skin tends to be severely dehydrated, and almond oil is considered a very beneficial agent for moisturizing it. This is a traditional way to keep the skin soft in cold weather. In addition to softening dry skin, almond oil can also be used as a makeup remover. It contains nutrients such as Vitamin E, so it is used in skincare. Some people use it to combat issues such as dark circles, rashes, and stretch marks, but the effectiveness of these remedies should not be considered guaranteed treatment.
If your skin is sensitive or you have allergies, it is recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it to the face or body. Caution should be exercised when applying around the eyes.
Important points when making oil at home
When preparing almond oil at home, it must be stored in completely clean and dry containers. If water or dirt gets into the oil, it can spoil quickly. Furthermore, if the oil begins to emit an unpleasant odor, changes color, or texture, its use should be discontinued.