Frequently Asked Questions

What does La Tourangelle mean?

La Tourangelle roughly translates to a woman from the Tours region of France in the Loire Valley where our original oil mill is located.

Is La Tourangelle a French company?

Yes, in 2001, this small French artisan oil maker had a dream: make high quality artisan nut oils available to Americans. Soon after, we decided to form a partnership with California Oils Corporation located in California to make the same French quality nut oils in California from California nuts. In 2002, the French oil mill owned by the Kohlmeyer family decided to send to California: a traditional hydraulic press, cast iron roasting kettles and a son (Matthieu, 23) to make the dream come true. Matthieu founded the US branch, which covers the United States and Canada. The French branch covers all of Europe and Asia.

How should La Tourangelle Artisan Oils be stored?

For best results, we recommend refrigerating our Roasted Almond Oil, Roasted Hazelnut Oil, Roasted Pecan Oil, Roasted Pistachio Oil, Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, and Roasted Walnut Oil after opening.

Our other oils – Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Sun Coco, Organic Virgin & Unrefined Coconut Oil, Organic Refined Coconut Oil and Organic Canola Oil – are best stored in a cool, dry place.

Which type of oil should I use for cooking at high heat?

When it comes to cooking, not all oils are created equal. Some oils can handle the heat and some can’t. Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Organic Sun Coco, Organic Refined Coconut Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil are all suitable for high heat.

Are La Tourangelle oils gluten free? Is the facility where the oils are processed considered gluten free?

The La Tourangelle mill, and warehouse does not process anything that contains gluten, such as wheat or grains. We process only nut or seed based oils, thus no gluten enters our production. We are in the process to obtain the certification. We will have soon the certification on hand and will keep you post.

What is the shelf life of cooking oils?

Do La Tourangelle oils have an expiration date? Is the oil usable once it expires?

Yes, La Tourangelle oils have an expiration date printed on the bottom of the can. Our oils do expire, and we do not recommend using them past the expiration date. It would be best to use our oils within six months of opening.

Can La Tourangelle Artisan Oils be used in baking?

Of course! La Tourangelle Artisan Oils are great substitutes for butter, vegetable shortening and other fats. When substituting oil for another fat, use the same amount the recipe calls for. You may want to melt coconut oil to avoid clumping.

The following oils are perfectly suitable for baking – Roasted Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Organic Canola Oil, 100% Organic Virgin & Unrefined Coconut Oil, Organic Refined Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, 100% Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Roasted Hazelnut Oil, Roasted Peanut Oil, Roasted Pecan Oil, Roasted Pistachio Oil, Organic Sun Coco Oil and Roasted Walnut Oil.

Keep in mind the oil’s smoke point. The oil will smoke when under direct heat, but may not when under indirect heat, i.e., in an oven. Ovens vary.

My coconut oil is now liquid. It was solid when I bought it at the store. Is it still okay to use?

Coconut oil does liquefy at temperatures above 76°F so it is perfectly normal, especially during summer. Coconut oil can be used in its liquid or solid state. We do not recommend putting either of our coconut oils in the refrigerator. It is best to store them in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.

What does smoke point mean?

An oil’s smoke point is the temperature at which it will start to smoke and break down. When cooking oil starts to smoke, it can lose some of its nutritional value and can give food an unpleasant taste. Keep in mind the difference between direct (sautéing, frying, grilling) and indirect heat (baking).

Can I give walnut oil to my infant?

We know that Chinese traditional medicine calls for usage of walnut oil to help the development of child’s brain. We really cannot recommend anything regarding your child’s nutritional needs. Always consult with your child’s doctor before introducing new products.

Explain the product packaging. Are the cans and caps BPA-free?

We chose a food-grade tin can because it wonderfully preserves and protects the oil inside from oxidation and light exposure. It is the best packaging to preserve oils. It is BPA-free.

How can I dispose of La Tourangelle products?

Please recycle the La Tourangelle oil can when you are finished with it. You may leave the white cap on for the recycling center to remove.

Why shouldn’t I just pour used cooking oil down the drain?

Cooking oil and grease poured down drains can build up in pipes causing backups at home, into streets and the storm drain system. Proper disposal of your cooking oil and other greases and fats will help prevent sewage backup in your home. Overflows can pose health and environmental hazards, polluting local bodies of water. Read more here about pouring cooking oil down the drain.

How can I recycle cooking oil?

Bring it to a residential cooking oil and grease drop-off location! Registered transporters pick up the cooking oil and grease so it can be recycled into livestock feed or into biodiesel, a cleaner-burning alternative fuel for diesel automobiles and trucks. Read more about recycling your cooking oil here!