JOJOBA
The Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), also called goat nut, is a shrub of the Box family native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico.
Although the seeds have been used as food by Native Americans (the roasted nuts taste and smell like roasted coffee beans), jojoba is mainly valued for the oil derived from the seeds, which contain up to 50% oil by weight.
The oil is unique in that it is a liquid wax, very similar in chemical composition and quality to sperm whale oil. Jojoba oil is used in various cosmetics, soaps and as a lubricant.
There has been renewed interest in its food potential, as a vegetable and salad oil, shortening, and animal food supplement.
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