Edible Oils vs. Non-Edible Oils: What’s the Difference?
When most people think of oil, they often think of the kind that is bought in a grocery store and used for cooking and frying. It is easy to forget, or even completely overlook, the fact that non-edible oil also exists. This blog post will compare edible oils vs. non-edible oils by discussing their definitions and functions, and also give some examples of each.
Edible Oils vs. Non-Edible Oils: Definitions
The first feature to look at when considering the difference between edible oils vs. non-edible oils is their respective definitions. Edible oils, also referred to as cooking oils, are simply oils that are safe to consume. Non-edible oils, conversely, are not safe to consume. Clearly, these definitions are quite broad. A much more productive way to compare edible oils vs. non-edible oils would be to look at their functions as well as several specific examples of each type of oil. To discover these uses and examples that will differentiate edible oils vs. non-edible oils, read on!
Edible Oils vs. Non-Edible Oils: Examples and Uses
Edible oils are used for baking, frying, sautéing, and other types of cooking. They are also sometimes used as an ingredient in dips, sauces, and dressings. Most edible oils are primarily comprised of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats and are liquid at room temperature. Some examples of these include:
- Avocado oil
- Canola oil
- Cashew oil
- Corn oil
- Macadamia nut oil
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil
- Sunflower oil
- Walnut oil
However, a few edible oils, like coconut oil and palm oil, are principally made up of saturated fats and are solid at room temperature.
Non-edible oils include petroleum-based oils that are used as fuel, lubricant, coolant, and other industrial products. Additionally, there are some vegetable oils that are non-edible, such as:
- Jatropha oil
- Karanja oil
- Neem oil
- Rubber seed oil
- Silk cotton tree oil
Researchers are currently looking into using these oils as biodiesel, an environmentally friendly diesel alternative.
Interested in Making Your Own Edible Oils?
Now that you have read about edible oils vs. non-edible oils, you can see that a wide range of edible oils exists. Are you looking for solvents to use in the process of extracting edible oil from plants to make your own products? Here at Extraction Grade Solvents, we have several solvents available that will make the extraction process effortless. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact us here!