Edible oils are one of the most shopped grocery items in the Northeastern United States. From deep frying to salad dressing, edible oils are now used in almost everything. However, what attracts the users more is the different methods and techniques of oil extraction.
One can easily extract oil from organic products for cooking or other consumption. There are easy processes that revolve around heating and pressing. In contrast, some processes use mechanical and chemical extraction methods for oil collection. In this article, we will talk about different methods and techniques of oil extraction that are commercially popular. However, before we get to the methods, let’s understand the components mainly required to extract oil.
What makes the components essential?
The components of oil extraction help increase the oil’s shelf life. Also, one can improve its quality and preserve it by using anti-oxidants. Here are some of the essential components to keep in mind.
- Pre-oxidants – Polar lipids, water, chlorophyll, and transition iron.
- Anti-oxidants – Carotenoids and Tocopherols.
Let’s jump to understand the best edible oil extraction method:
Oil Extraction Methods
Solvent Oil Extraction
The most popular method is solvent extraction, which uses heat and solvents to separate oil from the material. The solvent evaporates once the oil is separated, and one can easily collect oil. This process is widely used for olive oil, CBD oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, and more.
Commercial Oil Pressing
The commercial oil pressing technique is used when extracting oil from small-scale producers. Oilseed processing is used in this process, where the seed is harvested and undergoes the process of cleaning. Once the unwanted material and components are cleaned from the seed, remove the shell (in some cases) along with the hull. This helps in increasing the product quality.
After the cleaning, the seeds are broken, heated, and pressed for oil using press cake and raw pressed oil. Then comes the final step of filtering the oil out as an additional oil extraction. Some use hexane too that, on heating, produces slurry. The remaining oil is collected along with the remaining hexane. At last, the oil is packed in containers or packets to release in the market.
RBD Oils
Another popular different method and technique of oil extraction is RBD oil. It is a three-step process, refined, bleached, and deodorized, that helps extract quality oil. Irrespective of the quality of the seeds, the RBD oils are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
These oils are extracted to last longer for deep-fat frying, unlike some of the oils available in the market that retain smells and favors but are minimally processed. Hence, RBD oils are considered better and are difficult to implement on a small scale.
Cold Pressed Oils
Cold-pressed is when the oil is pressed at 120°F (49°C). This is another popular method in the long list of oil extraction that comes with a higher amount of nutritional properties. The oil extracted using the cold-pressed method is used as engine fuel as it carries the most phosphorus. It can affect the diesel engine but set a precedent for using vegetable oil as engine fuel.
Bleaching
The bleaching method is used for most oil processing and extraction where the oil appears colorless. The bleaching method helps in removing constituents and gets desirable results by removing an increased oxidation rate. It increases the lifespan of the oil and avoids any undesirable components.
Refined Oil
Refined oil is among the different methods and techniques of oil extraction that are widely popular in the market. The process removes phospholipids, neutralizes fatty acids, and oil filtering. However, to create stable oil, the refinery can use different processes, too, such as removing non-hydratable and hydratable phospholipids.
Many companies use a simple acid wash to remove hydratable compounds and filter the remaining oil.
Deodorizing
Now we have mentioned deodorizing in different methods and techniques of oil extraction, but what is it? Deodorizing removes different components such as protein, fatty acids, vitamins, heavy metals, and pesticides. When the oil is pressed, it leaves many impurities that one can easily remove with deodorizing, making it odorless and flavorless.
The process vaporizes the undesired components, which makes it easy to improve the flavor of food without any odor.
Choose the right oil extraction method
Now we know about the different methods and techniques of oil extraction, but which one is the right fit for you? To help you choose the right method, we have summed up some things to keep in mind.
- Nutrients
Each processing method offers different nutritional value to the edible oils. The extracted oil is odorless and colorless, with less nutritional value. Whereas processing methods affect the taste, aroma, and color without losing the nutrients.
- Processing Technology
Every processing method is different and won’t fit all of your requirements. Hence, it is essential to compare all the needs and what the processing techniques offer. Processing technology is a chemical method with a solvent edible grade, whereas processing technology is about physical pressing.
- Processing Materials
When choosing raw materials, extraction and pressing methods have a few similar options. The extraction method is mainly for raw materials with low oil content, whereas pressing methods comprise high oil-generating raw materials.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best edible oil extraction method involves considering various factors to ensure the quality and nutritional value of the final product. Different methods suit different needs and have their own pros and cons.
Solvent oil extraction is efficient for large-scale production, while cold-pressed oils are more nutritious and flavorful but may not suit high-volume processing. RBD and refined oils are ideal for those seeking colorless, odorless, and tasteless oils with a longer shelf life.
The choice of processing technology and materials is crucial, as some methods are better suited for certain raw materials. In short, the selection should be based on individual requirements, production scale, nutritional preferences, and processing capabilities.
For edible oil refinery manufacturing needs, N&T Engitech is a leading company that offers reliable and advanced solutions. With a commitment to providing top-notch technology and equipment, They serves as a trusted partner for edible oil producers worldwide. Their expertise in refining processes and dedication to quality ensures that customers receive efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for their edible oil extraction and refining requirements. Whether it’s solvent extraction, refining, or any other processing technique, Its cutting-edge equipment and industry-leading expertise are the key to success in the edible oil production landscape.
