Flaxseed oil offers a wide range of health benefits. It is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which, according to experts, reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory ailments. You can buy ready-made flaxseed oil at health food stores, or you can extract it directly from the seeds with a simple process you can do at home. In addition, you can choose to perform hot or cold pressing. If you don't want to spend money on a press, you can boil the seeds in water to cause them to release their oils; in the latter case, however, you will get a diluted and less durable oil.
Ingrediants
Linseed Oil Obtained By Pressing
450 g of flax seeds
Linseed Oil Obtained By Boiling
- 1-2 tablespoons (10-20 g) of flax seeds
- 475 ml of water
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Linseed Oil Obtained By Pressing
Step 1. Prepare the press
You can press hot or cold flax seeds, depending on the press you have available. Generally, the hot press is a standalone appliance that must be turned on and allowed to warm up before use. The cold press, on the other hand, is an accessory that must be attached to the juice extractor. Switch on - or connect the press - following the instructions contained in the instruction manual of the appliance in your possession.
- The hot press guarantees a higher yield, since the heat softens the seeds thus favoring the extraction of the oil. Also, the process is faster.
- Generally, the hot press should be allowed to warm up for at least 10 minutes before squeezing.
- Cold pressing takes longer; however, in many cases it guarantees a tastier oil and with a greater quantity of nutrients.
Step 2. Pour the seeds into the appliance
You can squeeze the desired amount of seeds based on how much oil you want to get. However, the first time around it is advisable to start with a small amount of seeds to practice: 450g of flaxseed is a good amount to start with. Pour the seeds into the container located at the top of the heat press or in the mouth of the extractor.
Step 3. Start the appliance to extract the oil
Depending on the heat press model, you will need to press the power button or turn the crank. If you use a cold press, it will be sufficient to turn on the extractor to start the process of squeezing the seeds.
- Consult your appliance's instruction manual to make sure you use it correctly.
- Remember to place a container where the oil will come out before starting the appliance.
Step 4. Squeeze the flax seeds according to the type of press
The time required to complete the squeezing process depends on the quantity of seeds and the type of press. To squeeze 450g of flaxseed, it will take 5-10 minutes if you use a heat press or about 20-30 minutes if you use a cold press.
Step 5. Store the freshly squeezed oil
Switch off the appliance when the juicing process is finished. If necessary, transfer the flaxseed oil to an airtight container using a funnel. Cap the container and make sure it is airtight.
Step 6. Let the oil sit for 2-3 days
Flaxseed oil may contain sediments, but within a few days they will sink to the bottom and at what point you will be able to filter it easily.
If the extractor is equipped with a filter or sieve, most of the sediment will already have been removed, so this step will not be necessary. In this case you can freely decide whether to let the oil rest to make sure it is completely free of sediments or whether to filter it immediately
Step 7. Filter the oil and remove sediments
When 2-3 days have passed, filter the oil through a sieve as you transfer it to a clean, airtight container. Cap the container and store it in a cool, dry place. Flaxseed oil should retain its properties for up to two years.
If you don't have a sieve, transfer the oil to a clean container by pouring it very slowly, so that the sediments remain at the bottom of the first container
Method 2 of 2: Boiled Linseed Oil
Step 1. Bring the water to a boil
Pour 475ml of water into a small saucepan and heat it on the stove over high heat. After a few minutes it should start boiling.
Step 2. Pour the seeds into the water and reduce the heat
When the water reaches a boil, add 1-2 tablespoons (10-20 g) of flaxseed into the pot. Set the heat to medium-low and let the seeds cook.
Step 3. Cook the flax seeds for about 8 minutes, until the mixture thickens
Leave the pot uncovered and boil the seeds in the water. Gradually the seeds will release a gelatinous substance and you will get a thick and shiny mixture. You may notice streaks similar to egg white form. At that point, the flaxseed oil is ready.
Step 4. Let the mixture cool
When the flax seeds have boiled sufficiently, turn off the stove and take the pot away from the heat. Let the mixture cool for 20-30 minutes.
By boiling, the seeds will have broken and softened, thus releasing their oils. You can freely decide whether to filter the mixture or store it as is
Step 5. Transfer flaxseed oil to a jar, then refrigerate and use within 10 days
When it has cooled, pour it into an airtight container; seal it and put it in the refrigerator for storage. It should keep its properties unaltered for about ten days.
