Walnut Oil?

[Daniel Miller]

I just found Walnut Oil at Wild Oats for like $6. I realize this is not a replacement for fish oil, but I don't know precisely why. Is it just differences in n-3s?

Damn it tastes good on a salad!

[John Alston]

Walnut oil is pretty awesome. I wonder if I can score a gallon at Costco next time...

[Robert Allison]

I just found Walnut Oil at Wild Oats for like $6. I realize this is not a replacement for fish oil, but I don't know precisely why. Is it just differences in n-3s?

Damn it tastes good on a salad!

Like most nut & vegetable sources, the Omega-3s in walnuts are primarily alpha linolenic acid. Some people have difficult converting ALA to DHEA & EPA due to a deficiency in the delta 6 desaturase enzyme. This deficiency can be caused by poor dietary choices or it can be genetic, IIRC.

Fish oil is definitely the way to go for the DHA & EPA, but walnuts have some good stuff as well. Plus, as you said, it does make a tasty salad dressing.

[Mike ODonnell]

I read once walnut oil has a high heating temp (doesnt break down)....so you can safely cook with it at higher temps....like stir fry...

[Garrett Smith]

Ted Slanker of www.texasgrassfedbeef.com is really big on the macadamia nut oil...

I'll stick with my coconut oil for basic cooking and olive oil for anything uncooked.

[Robert Allison]

While walnut oil technically has a relatively high smoke point, I prefer not to use it for anything close to high heat cooking. It burns very easily, which imparts a slightly bitter taste to the oil and whatever is being cooked. I have, however, used it with some success for low heat sauteing, and in salad dressing.

I think macadamia nut oil has an amazing flavor--all of those fats impart this nice buttery taste. But again, I generally use it for dressings and low heat cooking. Jungle Products (http://www.junglepi.com/) has a really nice product, IMO. They also have what they have termed Paradise Oil, which is combination of coconut, red palm and macadamia nut oils. Very tasty.

For high heat cooking, I mostly use butter, coconut oil or red palm oil.