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In this book different properties of oils originating from South America are studied. Pecan groves have been developed predominantly in the southern sector of Uruguay´s territory. Pecan nut virgin oil is not only valued for its sensory characteristics but also for its nutritional properties. Chia oil is among the richest plant sources of -3 fatty acids. The oil extracted from the pulp of the avocado is used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. The papaya is original from Central America. The oil extracted from the seeds is very rich in oleic acid. The cardoon is original from Europe, but does well in the fields of Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. Grapeseed oil is a by-product of the wine and grape juice industry; it is sold as edible in several countries. The cherimoya is native to South America. At present, the South American fur seal lives and breeds on several islands along the Uruguayan coast. Commercial fur seal oil is derived primarily from subdermal blubber fats. The rhea is a ratite native to South America and inhabits the south of Brazil, Argentina and the whole of the Uruguayan territory. Rhea oil is marketed for use in cosmetics manufacturing.

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The area of Fats and Oils from the University of Uruguay was developed over 30 years ago, by Maria Antonia Grompone. She remained its director until now. Bruno Irigaray also conducts research for more than two decades ago in this area. One of the research topics of both professionals is the study of properties of native oils in South America.

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