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A buyer’s guide to apricot kernel oil or Gutti ka Tel
Buying apricot kernel oil? Check out this comprehensive guide on buying apricot seed oil from the mountains of Kullu Manali.
Apricot or Shara, as it’s called in Kullu, is one of the rare fruits with high nutritious and even therapeutic properties. Its seed oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it one of the most sought-after gifts from nature.
A rich source of protein, carbohydrates and fibre, Apricot kernel oil or Gutti ka Tel as it is locally in Kullu Manali called has been traditionally used for ages for medicinal and cosmetic use and for pain relief in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh.
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Two types of apricot kernel oil
There are two types of apricot kernels — bitter and sweet. While the oil extracted from sweet kernels is edible and used in food, the oil from bitter kernels have medicinal properties.
The outer shell inside the apricot fruit is called the seed or stone and within it lies the kernel, which appears like a small almond. You have to break the outer shell to get the kernel.
The sweet kernel oil is considered best for cooking, skincare and as a baby oil and the bitter kernel oil has more medicinal uses and has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for ages.
Apricot kernel oil from Kullu
In Kullu, mostly the oil from bitter kernels is extracted. Once upon a time when there were no roads and apples and other cash fruit crops had not arrived in the mountains of Kullu and there was also no tourism, apricot kernels were the main source of oil, both for edible and medicinal use. There also used to be mustard oil but comparatively in less quantity.
The locals would collect kernels and extract oil using the traditional manual method. The kernels used to be separated from the apricot shell and then grinded using pestle and mortar. The oil used to be extracted manually from the kernel paste thus made.
Today, the traditional method of extracting Gutti ka Tel doesn’t exist any longer even as the plantation area of apricot trees has reduced in many parts of the Kullu valley and replaced by cash crops, mostly apples. In the Ladakh region and the neighbouring Lahaul Spiti, apricot kernel oil is known as Chulli ka Tel. Apricot fruit is called Chulli in the local dialect there.
Why Gutti ka Tel from Kullu is unique and organic
Apricot trees in Kullu grow at an altitude of 1500 to 2500 meters. Majority of the trees grow in the forest land. No chemicals or fertilisers are used on the trees even on private land, making the fruit and oil completely chemical-free and organic. The high altitude also gives fruits and the oil their unique taste and flavour.
When is the apricot season in the Kullu valley?
The apricot flowering season falls in March and by June the fruit ripens. The kernels are collected in June and July and the oil is extracted before winter each year after drying them properly in the sun.
What Gutti ka Tel contains
Both the sweet and bitter apricot kernel oils contain almost the same amount of nutrients that act as a natural remedy for the skin. While Monounsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) in the oil are great moisturises and anti-inflammatory, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. MUFAs are mostly Oleic acid or Omega 9, PUFAs are mainly Linoleic acid or Omega 6. Here is a breakdown:
What are the benefits of apricot oil?
There are several benefits of using Gutti ka tel. Here are some of the benefits of apricot kernel oil and how to use it.
Anti-aging
The presence of vitamin E in the apricot kernel protects the skin against wrinkles, sunspots and age spots. Even the skin’s elasticity is improved by the use of apricot kernel oil, which hydrates the skin. According to various research works, apricot kernel oil also improves skin’s look and tone. Apricot seed oil is also used for skin diseases like acne vulgaris and ear inflammation.
According to researchers, apricot oil can protect the skin from Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which damage the skin. This is why apricot seed oil is being increasingly used in cosmetic products the world over.
How to use apricot kernel oil on skin
Cleanse your face and apply 2-3 drops of oil and massage your face gently. It’s best to apply the oil at night before you go off to sleep. As a body oil, apply a small amount on your body after bathing and massage gently. For those eye bags, take 1-2 drops in your fingers and apply gently below your eyes. Be careful, the oil doesn’t get into your eyes.
Hair care
The apricot bitter kernel oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which help moisturise the scalp and strands without being greasy. The regular use of oil also keeps the hair soft and healthy and adds shine to them. Apricot bitter kernel oil is also good for hair growth as it contains vitamins A and E which help in cell regeneration and blood circulation in the scalp.
This oil also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe itchy scalps. Its regular use also reduces dandruff overtime. The apricot bitter kernel oil is also good for stopping hair breakage, reducing split-ends and is a natural protector against sun’s ultraviolet rays. Best of all, it’s non-sticky and absorbs quickly into the scalp, making it the best oil for your hair.
How to use
Take some drops of apricot bitter oil into your palm and massage your scalp gently for a few minutes. Wash your hair after at least 30 minutes. For best impact, use the oil before you go to bed and wash your hair next morning.
Body ache and joint pain
The body massage using apricot kernel oil helps relieve aches and is good for skin nourishment. This oil is especially good for the backache and for the pain in the joints as it relaxes stiff joints and soothes minor inflammation. Apricot bitter kernel oil is the best massage oil because it gets absorbed by the body without giving that oily feel and improves blood circulation besides rejuvenating the skin, making it soft and smooth.
Apricot kernel oil myths
Is bitter kernel oil anti-cancerous?
Many believe that apricot bitter kernel oil has anti-cancer properties and can help in the treatment of cancer. The belief has emerged due to the presence of Amygdalin, a chemical compound found in many plants and seeds including in apricot kernels and has been promoted as alternative cancer treatment. However, it’s not yet scientifically proven.
If apricot bitter kernels are consumed in excess, then it can lead to poisoning as Amygdalin turns to cyanide in the human body when consumed. Read here how many apricot bitter kernels can be consumed safely without any harm.
Apricot kernel oil buying tips
While buying kernel oil, you should first check whether it’s made from bitter or sweet kernels. While the sweet kernel oil is edible, the bitter oil is for external use only and should not be consumed even though Amygdalin compound is largely left out during the cold-press oil extraction method. Just minimal traces remain in the final oil product.
For every 100 gm of bitter apricot kernels, the presence of Amygdalin is 2 to 5 grams. When bitter kernels are cold-pressed, Amygdalin is largely left behind as a residue and the oil is mostly free from this compound.
However, still the consumption of bitter kernel oil should be avoided. Also, you should check how the oil has been extracted from the kernels. The cold-pressed method is the best as no chemicals or external heat is used for extracting oil and thus the essential nutrients, flavour and natural properties of kernel oil remain intact.
FAQs
Conclusion
If you want to take care of your skin and body in the most natural way then apricot kernel oil is the best choice. It’s good for your face, skin, hair and body. It’s truly a precious gift from nature. But you just need to buy from an authentic and credible source to ensure the quality of apricot kernel oil.
Buy apricot kernel oil from the Wildcone
You can buy the Himalayan pure, organic apricot bitter kernel oil from our online store. We guarantee the purity and unmatched quality of our apricot kernel oil. Visit thewildcone.com/shop for buying.
