Extraction of apricot kernel oil in cold desert Ladakh, India

Abstract

Apricot (<i style="">Prunus armeniaca</i> L., Rosaceae) is the most important fruit crop of cold desert of Ladakh. Oil extracted from the sweet kernel is used for edible purpose while that of bitter kernel has religious, cosmetic and medicinal values. The oil is popular as body oil or massage oil, is known to relieve backache and joints ache. With the advancement of technology the cumbersome traditional method of oil extraction is slowly declining. However, the oil extracted by the traditional method is still being preferred due to its distinct smell. This paper describes the ancient traditional method of apricot kernel oil extraction still being practiced in some parts of Ladakh.