Why We Cook With Oils: A Story That Started Thousands of Years Ago

For thousands of years, humans have looked to plants for natural sources of oil. But the story of cooking oils is also a story of innovation, how something originally used for one purpose found a new place in our everyday lives.

Many early plant oils were first valued for their ability to provide light. Before electricity became common, oils from plants and seeds were used in lamps around the world, helping families illuminate their homes. As technology advanced and new methods of extraction and refining were developed, these same oils became more available and versatile.

Seed oils, in particular, grew in popularity as agriculture and industrial production evolved. Their neutral flavors, affordability, and ability to withstand different cooking methods made them appealing for everyday kitchens. What started as a source of light slowly became an essential ingredient in how families prepared food.

But the story of oils in the kitchen cannot be told without recognizing the role of women. For generations, women have shaped how ingredients are used, transformed, and shared through cooking. They experimented with new products, adapted recipes, and turned simple ingredients into meals that brought families together.

Today, we have more choices than ever when it comes to cooking oils. But with more choices comes a bigger question: what are we choosing to bring into our homes? Where does it come from? How was it made? And who is behind it?

At HASSY Avocado Oil, we believe the future of cooking oils is about reconnecting with the source. It’s about understanding the fruit, respecting the farmers, and choosing ingredients with a story behind them.