Nut Oils

Frightfully perishable, nut oils can turn stale in a matter of weeks, even when tightly sealed and stored in the refrigerator. I use only one brand of nut oils, Leblanc (see Sources). Leblanc’s oils are made from roasted nuts. The roasting brings out the flavor of the nuts and also destroys some of the compounds that cause rancidity. Leblanc makes walnut oil, hazelnut oil, and a magnificent (and expensive) green pistachio oil. I like the pistachio oil the best, partly because it has such an unusual flavor. Because it hasn’t become common in restaurants, it catches your guests or family delightfully off guard.