Tomato Seed Oil

Description

Tomato seed oil is a rare, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the tiny seeds of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), usually a by-product of tomato processing industries (like sauce or ketchup production). Though not traditionally used as a cooking oil in large volumes, this oil is making waves in functional nutrition, skincare, and gourmet food circles due to its high antioxidant content, especially lycopene, and its pleasant, light tomato-umami flavor.

Tomato seed oil is usually cold-pressed, unrefined, and golden-orange in color with a mildly tangy aroma. Because it’s derived from discarded seeds, it represents one of the best examples of upcycled, sustainable nutrition.

Nutritional Composition:

• Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA): ~55–60% (mainly linoleic acid)

• Monounsaturated fats (MUFA): ~20–25% (mostly oleic acid)

• Saturated fats: ~10–15%

• Lycopene – a powerful antioxidant and pigment

• Beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin – for eye and skin health

• Tocopherols (Vitamin E)

• Phytosterols – help lower LDL cholesterol

• Flavonoids and polyphenols – protect against inflammation and oxidation

• Essential trace minerals – like zinc and selenium

Lycopene, the red pigment that gives tomatoes their color, is fat-soluble, and tomato seed oil is one of the few naturally occurring oils containing it in bioavailable form.

Health Benefits:

• Powerful antioxidant – lycopene helps fight free radicals, supports longevity

• Heart health – linoleic and oleic acids reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

• Skin protection – natural SPF properties and UV-damage reduction

• Anti-inflammatory – supports joint, gut, and skin health

• Cancer-fighting properties – lycopene and polyphenols may reduce risk

• Supports prostate and breast health

• Improves vision – lutein and zeaxanthin nourish the retina

• Promotes hormonal balance due to its sterol content

The oil is particularly suited for anti-aging and skin-focused diets, especially when used in raw applications.

Culinary Applications:

Tomato seed oil has a low to moderate smoke point (~320°F / 160°C) and is best used as a finishing oil, salad enhancer, or for light sautéing.

Ideal uses:

• Drizzling over roasted or grilled vegetables (especially zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper)

• Finishing touch for pizzas, pastas, or bruschetta

• Mixing into tomato-based soups, gazpacho, or minestrone

• Tossing into fresh tomato salads or caprese platters

• Infusing with herbs like basil or oregano for dipping oils

• Blending into vinaigrettes for a tangy, antioxidant-rich salad dressing

• Enhancing tomato-based sauces or pesto variations

• In gourmet chocolates or breads for a savory, umami twist

Because of its unique tangy and earthy flavor, it pairs beautifully with Mediterranean and Italian dishes.

Flavor and Texture:

• Color: Golden orange to deep amber

• Flavor: Mildly tangy, earthy, slightly nutty, with a hint of tomato umami

• Texture: Light, smooth, with a clean finish

• Aroma: Faint tomato scent, fresh and slightly fruity

• Aftertaste: Subtle tomato-earth note, not acidic

It has a refined personality, delivering complexity without overpowering dishes.

Cosmetic and Topical Benefits:

Tomato seed oil is a high-performance skin oil, especially favored in anti-aging, sun protection, and brightening skincare:

• Rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, and Vitamin E – protect against photo-aging

• Improves skin texture and elasticity

• Brightens dull or hyperpigmented skin

• Treats acne-prone or sensitive skin – non-comedogenic and calming

• Fades scars, dark spots, and sun damage

• Soothes inflammation and supports wound healing

• Strengthens hair follicles and nourishes the scalp

Due to its light molecular weight, it’s absorbed quickly and used in facial serums, body oils, under-eye creams, and anti-aging masks.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Being rich in PUFAs and antioxidants, tomato seed oil is relatively stable when stored well:

• Shelf life: 9–12 months unopened, 6 months opened

• Store in dark, UV-protected glass bottles

• Keep in a cool, dark cupboard or refrigerate

• Avoid exposure to heat, air, or light

• Discard if it smells sour or develops cloudiness

For culinary use, freshness ensures the best flavor and highest lycopene content.

Sustainability:

Tomato seed oil is a leading example of zero-waste innovation:

• Derived from discarded tomato seeds after pulp processing

• Minimizes agricultural waste in ketchup, sauce, and puree factories

• Often produced by cold pressing in eco-conscious facilities

• Encourages value addition in rural tomato-farming economies

• No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides used when organically grown

It turns agri-industrial waste into wellness gold—a perfect combination of health and sustainability.

Summary:

Tomato seed oil is a gourmet-grade, antioxidant-loaded oil that offers deep nutritional benefits, subtle flavor enhancement, and skin-healing power in one neat package. It may not be as common in grocery aisles yet, but its presence in high-end wellness and culinary circles is growing rapidly. Whether you’re making a tomato-basil salad, crafting a skin-brightening serum, or adding a drizzle to bruschetta, tomato seed oil brings function, finesse, and sustainability to the table.

Quantity is 1 litre