sunflower oil (सूर्यमुखीको तेल)
About sunflower oil (सूर्यमुखीको तेल)
Sunflower oil, extracted from sunflower seeds, is a common cooking oil used in many parts of the world, including Nepal. It's known for its light color, neutral taste, and high smoke point, making it versatile for various cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and baking. While not a traditional staple like mustard oil in certain rural Nepali households, sunflower oil has gained popularity in urban areas as a readily available and affordable option. Its perceived health benefits, especially concerning Vitamin E content, contribute to its growing appeal in the Nepalese market. However, the preference for local oils continues to be strong in traditional cooking practices, but sunflower oil is slowly becoming a household staple in urban centers. Its accessibility in supermarkets and stores across Nepal also adds to its growing usage.
Nutritional info
These are the major micro nutrients found in sunflower oil
Seasonality
While sunflower oil is a processed product, the seasonality in Nepal is more about when the sunflower seeds are harvested. The sunflower crop is generally cultivated and harvested in the late summer to early fall seasons in Nepal. However, since sunflower oil is processed, availability of oil in the market is year-round, not dependent on the harvest seasonality.
History
The history of sunflower oil production and use in Nepal is not deeply rooted in traditional practices compared to oils like mustard or sesame. Sunflower as a crop isn't indigenous to Nepal, and its introduction and cultivation for oil production are relatively recent. The use of sunflower oil likely emerged as part of the modernization of agriculture and the introduction of imported food products. In Nepal, sunflower oil's popularity grew with the rise of packaged food industries and an increase in awareness of different types of cooking oils. It became more available due to its global prevalence as a commercially produced edible oil, rather than being a traditional part of Nepalese cuisine. While mustard oil remains the preferred choice in many traditional Nepali households, the relatively neutral flavor and lower price point of sunflower oil have contributed to its gradual acceptance.