La Tourangelle produces a wide range of unusual nut oils: roasted pecan and pistachio, toasted pumpkin seed, avocado. If my life were different, I’d buy them all and spend the rest of my years bathed in their roasty, toasty deliciousness.
But given the price, the size of my kitchen and the fact that oils don’t stay fresh forever, I’m forced to narrow it down to just one: Roasted Walnut Oil. Rich, deep and complex, this oil captures the essence of roasted walnuts without being too overpowering.
It's uses are endless: in a vinaigrette (especially for stronger assertive greens like arugula), tossed with walnuts and other nuts before roasting, as a dipping sauce, in biscotti. And from their recipe files: on popcorn, in a pesto or even in a carrot cake!
My biggest challenge with this oil is to keep it fresh. Recently, I’ve hit on a great solution: share it. Either split a container with a friend or decant some into a pretty bottle, glue on a handmade label and tie it with string to make a great hostess gift.
Oooooh, I *love* the idea of giving away some of the oil as a hostess gift. I bought some of this company's hazelnut oil (TO DIE FOR, btw) last Christmas but wasn't able to use it all before it went south. Now I know what to do. Thanks!
view Alison @ Wholesome Goodness's profile
I bought some La Tourangelle walnut oil, and it was delicious. I was afraid it would go rancid before I could use it all, but I managed to think of enough uses for it that it never spoiled. Aside from salads, I also drizzled a little on yogurt for breakfast or a snack.
view Julie's profile
Pardon my ignorance but if its kept refrigerated, won't it keep from going rancid? (Please say yes as I"ve had a bottle of both the walnut and hazelnut in my fridge for almost a year and they pass the sniff test.)
view rosebud's profile
Rosebud--
Thanks for the clarifying question. Yes, keeping it in the refrigerator is indeed necessary. But all oils are subject to losing their flavor or turning rancid, even if refrigerated. The sniff test sounds good, but I would taste a little bit as well.
Dana
view Dana V's profile
You can commonly find these La Tourangelle oils at TJMaxx or their palace of nifty, HomeGoods. They are just as fresh and may be the only place in your area to carry them.
I got the Almond over this winter and just recently cracked it open. Heaven!
view magdelane's profile
I always have a bottle of this around - It is so delicious!! My favorite salad with this is baby greens, micro greens, beets, toasted walnuts & feta or gorgonzola cheese. I make the dressing with champagne vinegar, dijon mustard, a pinch of sugar, salt & pepper and of course, the walnut oil - yum!!!!
view Ta's profile
Great post - I love the La Tourangelle walnut oil. YUM!
Please note - never, ever cook with this oil. Walnut oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids which are very delicate. The high heat of the pan will oxidize (turn rancid) the oil. Baking is OK as the convection heat is more gentle.
I love it drizzled over a salad similiar to Ta's, and also used in peach or apple muffins.
view ilovebutter's profile
I got my walnut oil from the Ojai, CA farmer's market and use it on salads. Yum and very fresh!
view kaanswfm's profile
Love this oil--it is just perfect!
view Bonbon O's profile
I do cook with it - I don't heat it too much but it's wonderful to use with zucchini and asparagus. Might be better for you in it's cold form but it's too delicious to not use every chance I get!
view gibbylet's profile