Classification of different types of oils depends on the method used to extract the oil. On broad scale there are two different types of oil
- Refined Oil
- Unrefined Oil
Refined oil goes to the several steps of refinement resulting in stripping of its natural nutrients, smell and taste so the name refined oil. Refined Oil is typically extracted using solvent extraction method in which hexane is mixed with seeds to extract oil, then oil goes to different stages of processing such as, Degumming, Neutralization, Bleaching, Deodorization, Dewaxing and filteration.
While Unrefined Oil is the oil which goes through the minal processing which resulted in quality and nutrient rich oil hence the name. Unrefined Oil further can be classified into different types
- Expeller Pressed
- Rotary Pressed
- Cold Pressed
- Wood Pressed
While Oil produced by all of these 4 different methods is referred as Unrefined oil. There is a marked disparity in the quality of the oil produced. Such that the oil that comes out from each of these methods is not always the same quality.
There is another kind as well, which is stone pressed. Where stones are used to crush seeds to extract oil. Both wood pressing and stone pressing was the part of ancient methods in extracting oil
Unrefined oils have become increasingly popular as consumers seek healthier and more natural alternatives to refined oils. Each method of extracting oil has its unique characteristics and benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore four common types of unrefined oils: Expeller Pressed, Rotary Pressed, Cold Pressed, and Wood Pressed. Our goal is to help you understand the differences and why wood-pressed oil might be the best choice for your health and cooking needs.
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1. Expeller Pressed Oil
Expeller pressing is a mechanical method where the seeds or nuts are crushed and pressed at high pressure and high temperature to extract the oil. The friction created during this process generates heat, which can range from 140°F to 210°F.
Benefits:
- Efficiency: Expeller pressing is highly efficient and can extract a large amount of oil in a relatively short time.
- Versatility: It can be used for a variety of seeds and nuts, making it a versatile option for different types of oil
- High yield: Since high pressure and heat is used to extract the oil, high yield is expected compared to any other method.
Drawbacks:
- Heat Generation: The heat produced during this process can destroy some of the beneficial nutrients and alter the flavor profile of the oil.
- Quality: While it’s a good method for extracting oil quicly, it might not be the best option if you are looking for oils with maximum nutritional value.
2. Rotary Pressed Oil
Rotary pressing is an older method that involves crushing the seeds or nuts using a rotary press. This process typically generates less heat compared to expeller pressing but still uses a significant amount of pressure.
Benefits:
- Traditional Method: It’s a method that has been used for decades, especially in small-scale oil production.
- Lower Heat: The lower heat compared to expeller pressing means slightly better retention of nutrients and flavor.
Drawbacks:
- Less Efficient: Rotary pressing is generally less efficient than expeller pressing, resulting in lower yields.
- Manual Labor: This method often requires more manual labor, making it less suitable for large-scale production.
3. Cold Pressed Oil
Cold pressed oil is the broad term having no concrete definition, such that it is widely used for marketing. That is being said cold pressing involves extracting oil at low temperatures, typically below 122°F, which ensures that the oil retains most of its natural flavor, aroma, and nutritional value. Cold pressed Oil is typically produced using electronic machines that use control system to monitor and control the temperature while seeds are being crushed.
Benefits:
- Nutrient Retention: Cold pressing preserves more of the essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants present in the seeds or nuts.
- Pure Flavor: The low temperatures ensure that the oil maintains its original flavor and aroma, making it ideal for gourmet cooking and dressings.
Drawbacks:
- Lower Yield: Because it avoids high temperatures and pressure, cold pressing often results in a lower yield of oil.
- Price: Cold-pressed oils are typically more expensive due to the lower yield and slower extraction process.
- Temperature: While these machines are referred as cold pressed, they also use the temperature at startup to extract the oil, and produced oil may have varying quality compared to wood pressed oil
4. Wood Pressed Oil
Wood pressing, also known as Lakdi Ghani in India, is an ancient method of oil extraction where wooden pestles are used to crush the seeds at very low RPMs (revolutions per minute). The entire process is done at ambient temperatures, which means no heat is generated. Since Oil extracted at room temperature while crushing seeds at low RPM, it is also referred as Wood Cold Pressed Oil .
Benefits:
- Maximum Nutrient Retention: The absence of heat ensures that all the nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants are fully preserved.
- Rich Flavor: Wood pressing allows the oil to retain its rich, natural flavor, making it ideal for those who appreciate authentic taste in their cooking.
- Environmentally Friendly: The process is more natural and environmentally friendly, relying on manual labor and wooden tools rather than industrial machinery.
Drawbacks:
- Time-Consuming: The process is slower, making it less efficient for large-scale production.
- Higher Cost: Due to the labor-intensive process and lower yields, wood-pressed oils are usually more expensive.
Why Choose Wood Pressed Oil?
While all these methods have their advantages, wood-pressed oil stands out for several reasons:
- Superior Nutritional Value: The lack of heat in the extraction process ensures that wood-pressed oils retain the highest levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Authentic Taste: If you’re looking for an oil that adds a rich, natural flavor to your dishes, wood-pressed oil is unparalleled. The subtle nuances in taste are preserved, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.
- Eco-Friendly: By choosing wood-pressed oils, you’re not just making a healthy choice for yourself but also for the environment. The traditional methods used in wood pressing have a lower carbon footprint compared to more industrialized processes.
- Supports Local Artisans: Often, wood-pressed oils are produced by small, local producers who continue to use traditional methods passed down through generations. By purchasing wood-pressed oil, you’re supporting these artisans and helping to keep these age-old techniques alive.
Conclusion
In the world of unrefined oils, wood-pressed oil shines as a superior choice for those who value nutrition, flavor, and environmental sustainability. While other methods like expeller, rotary, and cold pressing each have their merits, wood-pressed oil offers a unique combination of health benefits, taste, and tradition that is hard to beat. Whether you’re drizzling it over a salad or using it to sauté your favorite vegetables, wood-pressed oil is a worthwhile addition to any kitchen.