Tea Seed Oil

Tea seed oil is an edible oil with a characteristic sweet fragrance. It is principally derived from the seeds of Camellia oleifera. However, the seeds of some other tea plants like Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua and Camellia sinensis are also used to produce this oil. Tea seed oil is also sometimes referred to as Camellia oil or tea oil.

Tea Seed Oil Properties

Color: Pale amber green color defines this oil.

Density: The density of the oil is approximately 0.8673 g/ml at 25 °Celsius.

Smoke Point: This oil has a high smoke point of almost 252°C/485°F.

Tea Seed Oil Composition

The fatty acids composition of tea seed oil is given below:

Picture 1 – Tea seed oil

• Arachidic Acid: 0.5%
• Stearic Acid: 2.2%
• Linoleic Acid: 3.8% (Omega 6)
• Palmitic Acid: 7.5%
• Oleic Acid: 86% (Omega 9)

Tea Seed Oil Extraction

Tea seed oil is extracted from the seeds of Camellia plants by cold pressed method.

Tea Seed Oil Nutritional Facts

The nutritional value per tablespoon of tea seed oil is:

Apart from the above mentioned nutrients, tea seed oil also contains polyphenols, several antioxidants, some minerals as well as high levels of vitamins A, B and E.

Tea Seed Oil Health Benefits

Tea seed oil has many rich nutrients that have a positive effect on human health.

• The oil is popularly used for cooking because it can increase the nutritional value of the food.
• Tea seed oil has plenty of antioxidants and low levels of saturated fat.
• The oil contains abundant quantities of minerals and vitamins. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and E. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron manganese are also found in it.
• Consuming tea seed oil is beneficial for skin and hair.
• This oil can be consumed by pregnant women as it helps in brain development of the baby.
• It helps in mineral absorption of the body.
• Tea seed oil is also known to resolve constipation problems.

Picture 2 – Tea seed oil Picture

Tea Seed Oil Uses

Tea seed oil has many culinary and cosmetic uses.

Culinary Uses

This oil is used as the principal cooking oil in places like Hunan in southern China. The oil is used extensively in dips, salad dressings, sauces and marinades, for stir frying, sautéing as well as in the production of margarine.

Cosmetic Uses

Find out the varying cosmetic uses of this oil.

• Tea seed oil is widely used for the preparation of cosmetics, moisturizers, sunscreen lotions, anti-wrinkle creams, UV protective lotions, anti-oxidative agents and whitening agents.
• The oil also helps in removing scars and freckles.
• It prevents hair loss, tinea capitis, dandruff, itching and reduce chapped effect.
• Tea seed oil also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It heals skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• It cures damaged lips and cracked skin.
• Tea seed oil is also extensively used in aromatherapy.
• It is used in manufacturing hair oils and soaps.

Other Uses

This oil is also used for many other purposes like:

• Tea seed oil is also used for manufacturing  paints, lubricants and a type of rust-proofing oil.
• The oil is also used frequently in the synthesis of some other compounds having high molecular weights.
• Tea seed oil is also applied to swords and working tools like axes to protect them from rust.
• Camellia oil is used as an ingredient in the production of Po Sum On, a Chinese medicated oil.
• Extracts of tea seed have also been used in the manufacturing of some laundry and washing powders.

Tea Seed Oil Recipes

Tea seed oil is used in the preparation of many mouth-watering dishes. Some of the well known recipes using tea seed oil include the following:

• Sautéed Tofu with Tea Seed Oil and Basil Pistou
• Bon Teavant Clam & Shrimp with Whole Wheat Linguine
• Pumpkin Seed Basil Pesto with Organic Tea Seed Oil

How To Store Tea Seed Oil?

Tea seed oil should be stored in a tight container and kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. It has a long shelf life of at least one and a half years due to its high smoke point, when stored under appropriate conditions.

Tea Seed Oil During Pregnancy

Research has shown that consumption of tea seed oil is safe for pregnant women. The oil does not cause any ill effects and does not interfere negatively in lactation.

Tea Seed Oil Toxicity and Side Effects

There are no known toxic side effects of tea seed oil. However, people who are allergic to any of its constituents should avoid consuming it orally. The oil is safe to be applied externally under normal circumstances.

Tea Seed Oil Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about tea seed oil:

• This extracted oil is believed to be one of the most important beauty secrets of oriental Geishas.
• In Japan, Camellia oil is extracted from the seeds of Camellia japonica plants, unlike the standard norm of using Camellia oleifera seeds.
• Tea seed oil has got excellent storage capacities.
• Tea seed oil is extensively used in strengthening of nails.

Tea Seed Oil Images

Here are some images of tea seed oil sold under commercial brands.

Picture 3 – Tea seed oil Photo

Picture 4 – Tea seed oil Image

References:

https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/tea-seed-oil/

https://www.academiapublishing.org/

http://www.ebiochem.com/Product/index/id/9093

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-tea-seed-oil.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_seed_oil

https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1095&context=all_theses