What is it?

Safflower oil is an oil pressed from the seeds of the safflower plant, a thistle-like member of the sunflower family grown mainly for oil production.

Safflower seeds are used to make two very different oils. Monounsaturated safflower oil is colorless, odorless, and has a very high smoke point—which makes it ideal for frying, stir-frying, and other high-heat cooking. Though this monounsaturated oil is shelf-stable, we recommend storing it in a dark, cool, dry place to ensure its quality and longevity.

The second type of safflower oil is polyunsaturated. This oil, which is also colorless and tasteless, is much more delicate. It should be stored in a cool, dark place, or even better in the refrigerator. It should not be heated, and thus is a great choice for salad dressings and sauces.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Ume-Scallion Dressing

  This bright green sauce gets intense flavor from peppery watercress and briny umeboshi vinegar. Try drizzling it on a cold soup, like the Classic Vichyssoise shown here, or toss with…

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  Recipe

  Carrot Cake with Mascarpone Frosting

  This carrot cake feels lighter than most, thanks to four thin layers, subtle spicing, and a not-too-sweet frosting made with mascarpone. Candied carrot curls and pecans on top make it…

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  Recipe

  Oven-Fried Chicken Legs

  This baked version is just as tasty as the traditional fried chicken (if not more delicious) and far less artery clogging. Coating the chicken legs in homemade aïoli (or even…

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  Recipe

  Tostadas with Mashed Black Beans

  When we have a pozole party, we always serve whole tostadas spread thick with refried beans along with the pozole. When frying the tortillas for the tostadas, cook them a…

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  Recipe

  Buttermilk Pancakes

  These have become a weekend breakfast staple in our house, and they’re so easy to make that they show up on weekdays occasionally, too. I use oil instead of melted…