TIL "malaxer" | also, the problem of low-cost avocado oil adulteration

Bet you've never heard of a malaxer before
credit: Washington Post

Via the Washington Post, this fascinating article: 

Avocado oil is a rising star in the culinary world. It’s a heart-healthy cooking oil with a mild flavor that appeals to health-conscious consumers.

But scientists say that adulteration and mislabeling are rampant in the avocado oil industry, and that many people who believe they’re buying pure avocado oil are being misled by some of the nation’s largest retail chains.

Scientists at the University of California at Davis tested avocado oil samples, and have for the first time revealed the names of a dozen retailers who they say sold products labeled as avocado oil that contained cheap seed and vegetable oils, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger and Safeway. The companies didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Regrettably, I'm not very surprised to learn that avocado oil is adulterated with less expensive oils. I am, however, delighted to learn that Dr. Selina Wang of UC-Davis was an organic chemist before she moved into food science. Very cool! 

(genuinely, this is a great article, please do click and read)