This was a great topic to read through. I am in Zone 6a and after watching so many tropical cultures harvest cooking oil as well as oils for cosmetic use (shampoo, conditioner etc) from native plants, I had the same question. The only plant we could use that I know of, is the peanut. I’m not sure if the nut is the healthiest for cooking, but know it is useful for its ability to withstand higher temperature cooking. I’d need to find out how it affects human pores, its long term effects on the body internally and when it becomes an unhealthy fat, and whether there is a way to keep someone with a peanut allergy from experiencing an attack etc. Mostly, I wish there was another plant source we could tap for oils/fats, in the colder zones. Anyway, please keep adding to this topic as you find info. This was the best reading I found on the subject.
