Tea Seed Oil (Camellia Oil)

Description

Tea seed oil, also known as camellia oil or camellia seed oil, is a delicate, golden-green oil extracted from the seeds of the Camellia oleifera, Camellia sinensis, or Camellia japonica plants—the same family from which tea leaves are harvested. Used for thousands of years in China and Japan, this oil is often referred to as “Oriental olive oil” due to its high oleic acid content, light texture, and mild, nutty flavor. It is a culinary treasure in Asian cuisine and is also deeply embedded in beauty traditions for its nourishing properties.

Tea seed oil is often cold-pressed and minimally refined, preserving its floral aroma, rich antioxidants, and impressive heat stability. In China, it is considered one of the healthiest oils for daily cooking, praised for its ability to enhance flavors without overwhelming and its long shelf life.

Nutritional Composition:

• Monounsaturated fats (MUFA): ~80% (primarily oleic acid)

• Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA): ~6–10% (linoleic acid)

• Saturated fats: ~8–10% (palmitic and stearic acid)

• Vitamin E (alpha- and gamma-tocopherols)

• Squalene – antioxidant and skin protectant

• Polyphenols – including catechins (also found in green tea)

• Plant sterols – beneficial for cholesterol

• No trans fats or cholesterol

Its lipid structure closely resembles olive oil, yet tea seed oil has even more stability under heat and a cleaner finish on the palate.

Health Benefits:

• Promotes cardiovascular health – lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides

• Protects against oxidative damage – thanks to vitamin E and polyphenols

• Supports weight regulation – due to healthy fat metabolism

• Strengthens immune function – flavonoids and antioxidants contribute

• Anti-inflammatory – supports gut and joint health

• Improves skin and hair vitality when consumed or applied

• May help regulate blood sugar levels

Its high oleic acid content (~80%) supports a Mediterranean-style anti-inflammatory diet, making it a preferred oil for those with heart disease risk.

Culinary Applications:

Tea seed oil is both versatile and elegant, with a high smoke point (~485°F / 252°C)—higher than olive oil—making it ideal for all types of cooking, including high-heat methods.

Used extensively in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking for:

• Stir-frying vegetables, meats, and tofu

• Deep-frying spring rolls, dumplings, and tempura

• Sautéing seafood or noodles

• Roasting or grilling vegetables and meats

• Making delicate vinaigrettes or infused oils

• Baking – can substitute for butter or canola in cakes and breads

• Finishing rice, soups, or steamed fish with a light drizzle

Its flavor is subtle, nutty, and slightly floral, making it a neutral yet enriching base for most cuisines.

Flavor and Texture:

• Color: Pale gold to green-gold

• Flavor: Mild, nutty, slightly floral, very clean

• Texture: Light, silky, non-greasy

• Aroma: Delicate and sweet, sometimes grassy

• Aftertaste: Smooth and minimal, no bitterness

Tea seed oil allows ingredients to shine and doesn’t coat the tongue like heavier oils.

Cosmetic and Skincare Benefits:

Camellia oil is a beauty staple in East Asia, traditionally used by geishas and empresses for hair, skin, and nail care:

• Deeply moisturizing but light and non-comedogenic

• Softens fine lines and wrinkles

• Repairs dry, cracked skin and eczema

• Promotes hair growth and scalp health

• Removes makeup gently and nourishes skin simultaneously

• Strengthens nails and cuticles

Rich in squalene and oleic acid, it penetrates the skin quickly, leaving no greasy residue, making it ideal for facial oils, baby lotions, and even beard care.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Thanks to its high antioxidant and oleic acid content, tea seed oil has a longer shelf life than most cold-pressed oils:

• Shelf life: 12–24 months unopened, 12 months opened

• Store in a dark, cool cabinet

• Keep tightly sealed to avoid oxidation

• Does not require refrigeration, but can be refrigerated to extend longevity

• Signs of spoilage: rancid, sour smell or cloudiness

Properly stored, tea seed oil retains both its flavor and therapeutic benefits.

Sustainability:

Tea seed oil is generally harvested as a by-product of tea cultivation, using seeds that would otherwise be discarded:

• Eco-friendly and low-waste

• Non-GMO and pesticide-free when organically grown

• Minimal processing required for oil extraction

• Often produced by small farms and community cooperatives

• Supports biodiversity in tea-growing regions

Some premium oils are cold-pressed from wild Camellia seeds, increasing biodiversity and supporting traditional agroforestry.

Summary:

Tea seed oil is a culinary and cosmetic jewel—mild, nutritious, heat-stable, and deeply rooted in Asian heritage. With its olive-oil-like qualities, long shelf life, and skin-loving compounds, it’s ideal for those who want one oil that does it all. Whether you’re stir-frying noodles, baking a sponge cake, or reviving dry skin, tea seed oil delivers refined nourishment with an ancient soul.

Quantity is 1 litre