Muttonbird oil is an oil derived from muttonbirds, which are a type of petrel seabird found in New Zealand, Australia, and parts of the southern Pacific. The oil is extracted from the chicks of muttonbirds and has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples of these regions. Here are some key facts about muttonbird oil:
What are muttonbirds?
Muttonbirds are several species of medium-sized petrel seabirds in the genus Puffinus. The name “muttonbird” refers to the fact that these birds were an important food source for early European settlers in Australia and New Zealand, who likened their meat to mutton. The most commonly harvested muttonbirds are:
- Short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris)
- Sooty shearwater (Puffinus griseus)
- Flesh-footed shearwater (Puffinus carneipes)
Muttonbirds nest in large colonies on offshore islands around New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and the Pacific Islands. Adult birds spend most of the year foraging at sea, only returning to land to breed. The chicks, called “muttonbird chicks” or “muttonbirds”, are full grown by early May when their parents leave them to fend for themselves.
How is muttonbird oil produced?
Muttonbird oil is produced from the chicks of muttonbirds. There are a few ways the oil can be extracted:
- Rendering – Muttonbird chicks are plucked and rendered in hot water to extract the oil from their bodies. This was the traditional method used by indigenous peoples.
- Solvent extraction – The bodies of muttonbird chicks are ground up and a solvent like hexane is used to dissolve out the oils.
- Centrifugation – Chick bodies are finely chopped and spun in a centrifuge. The centrifugal force separates out the oil.
Of these methods, rendering and centrifugation yield the highest quality oil. Solvent extraction risks contaminating the oil with chemical residues. The oil is purified after extraction to remove water and solids. Modern muttonbird oil production primarily takes place in New Zealand.
What are the uses of muttonbird oil?
Muttonbird oil has served a variety of purposes for the indigenous peoples of the regions where it is harvested:
- Food source – Muttonbird oil is very high in omega-3 fatty acids and was an important nutritional supplement, especially during the winter.
- Medicinal ointment – The oil was used topically to treat aches, pains, and skin conditions.
- Illumination – The oil was burned in lamps to provide lighting.
- Waterproofing – Leathers and fabrics were made water resistant by treating them with muttonbird oil.
Today, the main uses of muttonbird oil are:
- Nutritional supplement – Muttonbird oil remains a valued source of omega-3s and vitamin A. It is sold in capsule form as a dietary supplement.
- Skin and hair care – The oil is an ingredient in some cosmetic products like moisturizers and hair products.
- Leather protection – The oil’s waterproofing properties are useful for treating and conditioning leather goods.
What are the nutrients and composition of muttonbird oil?
Here is the typical nutritional breakdown of muttonbird oil:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Fat | 100g per 100g (100%) |
Saturated fat | 24-34% of total fat |
Monounsaturated fat | 18-25% of total fat |
Polyunsaturated fat | 42-52% of total fat |
Omega-3 fatty acids | 25-30% of total fat |
Omega-6 fatty acids | 9-12% of total fat |
Vitamin A | 850-2000 IU per 100g |
Vitamin E | 5-9 mg per 100g |
The main fatty acids in muttonbird oil are:
- Oleic acid (omega-9)
- Palmitic acid (saturated fat)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, omega-3)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3)
- Linoleic acid (omega-6)
The high omega-3 content is what makes muttonbird oil so nutritious and beneficial.
Why is muttonbird oil considered a superfood?
Here are some of the key reasons muttonbird oil is considered a superfood:
- Very high in omega-3s – It contains more omega-3 fatty acids per serving than many fish oils. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects and promote heart and brain health.
- Rich source of vitamin A – It provides abundant vitamin A, which supports immune function and eye health.
- Sustainable – Muttonbirds are abundant and harvesting practices are designed not to deplete populations. So it’s an eco-friendly source of nutrition.
- Has unique antioxidants – In addition to vitamin E, muttonbird oil contains carotenoid antioxidants not found in other marine oils.
- Used for centuries – Indigenous cultures prized muttonbird oil for its nourishing properties. Traditional wisdom highlights its benefits.
Overall, the high omega-3 content and nutrient density of muttonbird oil make it one of the healthiest marine oils available.
Is muttonbird oil safe? Are there any concerns with harvesting or sustainability?
When harvested responsibly, muttonbird oil is a safe and sustainable product. Here are some key points about safety and sustainability:
- The oil itself is safe for consumption and topical use. There are no known safety issues.
- Muttonbird populations remain abundant and harvesting is regulated. For example, in New Zealand muttonbirding is limited to certain tribal groups with designated harvest areas and limits on the number of chicks taken.
- Muttonbirds mature and reproduce quickly. The harvest is timed so that parents have left the colony before chicks are taken.
- Areas where muttonbirds nest are monitored. If any decline is detected, harvests can be reduced.
- When harvested sustainably, muttonbird oil production has minimal environmental impact.
Reputable muttonbird oil producers follow sustainable harvesting protocols and avoid depleted bird colonies. This ensures the oil is produced ethically and populations are protected for the future.
Where can I buy muttonbird oil?
There are a few places where you can buy muttonbird oil:
- Health food stores – Some specialty health food shops, especially in New Zealand and Australia, stock muttonbird oil capsules and cosmetic products.
- Online stores – There are a number of online retailers that sell muttonbird oil supplements sourced sustainably from New Zealand.
- Direct from producers – Some muttonbird oil companies sell directly to consumers through their websites. This allows you to buy directly from the source.
- Specialty grocery stores – Occasionally gourmet grocery stores may carry muttonbird oil in their selection of specialty oils and health foods.
When purchasing muttonbird oil, look for reputable producers who use sustainable harvesting practices. The oil should be purified but minimally processed to retain all of its natural nutrients.
How can I incorporate more muttonbird oil into my diet and routine?
Here are some easy ways to use more muttonbird oil each day:
- Take muttonbird oil capsules as a daily supplement.
- Use muttonbird oil as an ingredient when making dressings, dips, and sauces.
- Drizzle the oil over fish, salads, or roasted vegetables.
- Add a few drops to smoothies for an omega-3 and vitamin A boost.
- Use muttonbird oil topically as a moisturizer, hair oil, or massage oil.
- Incorporate muttonbird oil into DIY cosmetic recipes like body scrubs.
Muttonbird oil has a robust, fishy aroma and taste. Start with small amounts until you get accustomed to using it. The oil can be substituted for other fatty oils in many recipes.
Does muttonbird oil go bad or expire?
Like any oil, muttonbird oil can eventually go bad if stored improperly for too long. Here are some tips for storage and signs of spoilage:
- Store muttonbird oil in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is ideal for prolonging freshness.
- Only buy small bottles that will be used up quickly once opened.
- Use the oil within 3-6 months for maximum freshness.
- Check for signs the oil has gone rancid, like an off smell, change in color, or foul taste.
- Avoid transferring the oil back and forth between different containers which can introduce contamination.
- If the oil smells and tastes normal, it should be fine to consume even past the best by date.
Properly stored in the refrigerator, muttonbird oil can retain optimal quality for 9-12 months after opening. Discard any oil that shows signs of spoilage.
Conclusion
Muttonbird oil is a unique oil that has provided tremendous nutritional and practical benefits to indigenous cultures for centuries. Sourced from shearwater seabirds, it is exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A. When sustainably produced, muttonbird oil is a eco-friendly superfood that can boost health and vitality. Add it to your diet or skincare routine to experience the impressive benefits of this traditional oil.