About Us

Rooted in Jamaica. Made with Purpose.

Before Owaruuts, I was a university lecturer in economics. I taught my students that production, distribution and exports could help grow our economy. I believed in what I taught, and I wanted to make that contribution myself.

From teaching to making

My interest in agro-processing took root while researching the potential of Sea Island cotton in Jamaica. Later, my uncle-in-law introduced me to Jamaican Black Castor Oil. He shared my belief in the value of producing for export.

I began growing castor plants and found that I loved the work. Through the Jamaican Castor Industry Association, I learned to process the oil. Over time, I refined my technique, developed Owaruuts’ signature colour and aroma, and built a brand around it. Somewhere along the way, I pulled my husband and son into the adventure too.

Today, my workshop is at home, where I still keep a few castor plants, although I no longer grow them in large quantities. The oil we produce is part of our own family’s routines, used in different ways for hair, skin care and massage.

Jamaican methods, modern equipment

My process follows the principles of traditional Jamaican oil-making, using modern equipment. A drum roaster replaces the pot over a wood fire, and an electric grinder replaces the mortar and pestle.

I roast the seeds evenly until their interiors are caramel-coloured, then grind, boil and skim. The oil is left to settle before clarification, with occasional stirring during that final stage to prevent burning. This is how I develop the colour and aroma that make our oil distinctly Owaruuts.

Just the oil

Our bottled Jamaican Black Castor Oil contains one ingredient: castor oil. No other oils, added fragrance or preservatives. Its colour and aroma come from the way we roast and process the castor beans, not from added ingredients.

We describe our oil as pure and unrefined, not unheated or unprocessed. Roasting, grinding, boiling, skimming, settling and clarifying are all part of how it is made.

From our family to yours

Owaruuts is my way of putting a long-held belief into practice: making something here in Jamaica, building value around it, and sharing it beyond our shores.

When you choose Owaruuts, you support that purpose and the family behind it. Thank you for making our oil part of your own routine.