Edible Oil Definition
Edible oil, also called cooking oils, are oils that are safe to consume. They are often used for frying, baking, sautéing, and as an ingredient in salad dressings and marinades. Most edible oils contain a large amount of unsaturated fat (usually a mix of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat) and are liquid at room temperature. But some, such as coconut oil and palm oil, primarily consist of saturated fat, and thus are solid at room temperature.
Edible Oil Examples
Some examples of common edible oils include:
- Avocado oil
- Canola oil
- Coconut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Olive oil
- Palm oil
- Peanut oil
- Safflower oil
- Soybean oil
- Sunflower oil
How Edible Oils Are Extracted
There are several methods that can be used to extract edible oil from a plant’s nuts, seeds, or fruits. If you are interested in learning about these methods, read on!
- Expeller Pressing
Edible oils can be physically extracted from plant material using a press. This process is referred to as expeller pressing. Cold pressing, sometimes called cold expeller pressing, is essentially the same as expeller pressing, except that the temperature of the press is not allowed to exceed 120ºF.
- Solvent Extraction
Solvents are frequently used in the extraction of edible oils. In this method, the plant material is mixed with a solvent that helps draw out the oil, and then any excess solvent is boiled off, leaving only the edible oil behind. One of the main benefits of solvent extraction is that it is a relatively inexpensive extraction technique.
- CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction employs carbon dioxide as a solvent by subjecting it to high pressure, which makes it transform from a gas to a liquid. When the extraction is finished, the pressure is released, allowing CO2 to revert to its gaseous state. This means that no solvent residues are present in edible oils extracted by CO2. However, the downside of CO2 extraction is that the required machinery is extremely costly.
Looking for Edible Oil Solvents?
Are you interested in trying out solvent extraction to make your own edible oils? If so, you may be wondering where you should purchase solvents to use during this process. Here at Extraction Grade Solvents, we offer a number of high-quality, industrial-strength solvents that can be used to extract a variety of edible oils. In addition, we are available to answer any questions and assist you in finding the perfect product for your needs. Contact us by clicking the link here or calling 800-563-1305. We look forward to hearing from you!