What does deodorized oil mean?

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Vegetable oil is an indispensable food product in the preparation of various dishes. It is difficult for any hostess to do without it. But it can be difficult to navigate in a huge assortment of different varieties of sunflower oil. Store shelves are full of various types of oils: hydrated, refined, unrefined and deodorized. In this article, we will find out what deodorized oil means, as well as note its beneficial qualities and contraindications for use.

The difference between natural oil and deodorized oil

The main difference between deodorized oil and natural oil is the absence of a specific smell and a slightly bitter taste. But there is an opinion that natural oil has nothing to do with deodorized.

Refined deodorized oil is a product that has been refined. In the process of processing, it is cleaned of unnecessary additives and all kinds of impurities. Manytechnologists believe that during such processing, the oil loses all its nutritional properties. Other experts say otherwise.

Deodorization is used when excess impurities are found in natural oil. And also this procedure is necessary to improve the commercial qualities - to achieve transparency, increase the shelf life and the absence of sediment. But during processing, the oil loses most of its vitamins. In the manufacture of this oil, a natural dye is removed from it, as well as components responsible for its taste and aroma.

The quality of the product directly depends on compliance with the conditions in the production technology. Unfortunately, many manufacturers, in order to maximize profits, significantly reduce the periods of processing in technology, which negatively affects the nutritional and taste parameters of this product.

Production technology

To improve the marketability of vegetable oil, it undergoes full processing with the passage of all its stages:

1. Settling and filtration - help to destroy mechanical impurities.
2. Hydration. This treatment removes some of the phospholipids to avoid precipitation.
3. Neutralization or alkaline cleaning. With this procedure, fatty acids leave the oil.
4. Refining. This process removes phospholipids and proteins, which helps clarify the oil. In addition, this method makes it hypoallergenic and allows you to include this product in the diet even for those people who are allergic to oilseeds.
5. Freezing. This processing affects the oil at low temperatures, which helps to remove wax crystals and waxy substances. Due to this, this procedure helps to eliminate cloudy sediment and acquire a marketable appearance.
6. Deodorization helps remove aromatics from oil using water vapor under vacuum.

Let's take a closer look at the last stage of vegetable oil production.

Deodorized oil – what is it?

In simple terms, this is oil that has been processed with hot dry air at a temperature of about 230°C under vacuum. It is distinguished by its transparency, the absence of various precipitations and a pronounced smell.

Refined deodorized vegetable oil contains fewer nutrients than unrefined. But, despite this, this type of oil also has obvious advantages: it is great for cooking dishes with heat treatment. This type of oil is part of margarine, mayonnaise, confectionery and bakery products and other types of products. And also a huge advantage of refined oil is a long shelf life. The price of such oil is usually higher than unrefined.

Benefits and harms of deodorized oil

Deodorized oil is undoubtedly he althy and considered less hazardous to he alth, unlike simple refined oil, which contains cholesterol. In spite ofprocessing in several stages, it contains useful vitamins and trace elements that help prevent diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Fatty acids are also components of the oil - they have a beneficial effect on the body, prevent an increase in cholesterol and are perfectly absorbed.

Among other things, deodorized oil is great for diet and baby food, because it removes all traces of chemical solvents after complete vacuum cleaning.

As for harm to the body, it should be noted that any refined oil is a very high-calorie product, and due to the large amount of fat in the composition, it can cause weight gain. It should be consumed in small doses, especially for those who are watching their weight.

Storage conditions

The enemies of all vegetable oils without exception are: heat, light and oxygen. Therefore, the following storage conditions must be observed:

• keep the oil in a tightly closed glass container;
• storage at room temperature is best;
• avoid exposure to water and various metals.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower seeds contain a huge amount of vitamins and a number of important trace elements. The oil from this plant, due to polyunsaturated fatty acids and substances, also benefits the body. The use of vegetable sunflower oil improves the condition of the skin and hair, helps strengthen blood vessels and activates the immune system.

As for refined deodorized sunflower oil, due to its low cholesterol content, it is considered the most dietary product. Such a product is often used in cooking, it is perfect for preparing various dishes: it is transparent without sediment, has no pronounced odor.

Palm oil

Palm oil is much less common on grocery store shelves. The oil itself has a harder consistency, unlike sunflower oil, since its melting point should not exceed forty degrees. Also, deodorized palm oil has a fairly long shelf life - one year. It is most often used as a food additive, and in its pure form it is used mainly for deep-frying.

Palm oil is divided into two types: red and refined deodorized palm oil. As for the first option, it has a red-orange color due to vitamin A. This oil is he althy with a pleasant smell and taste. But, unfortunately, this product is not subject to long-term storage. Therefore, deodorized palm oil is an alternative. Like other oils that have been processed, palm oil has no taste or smell. Most scientists are inclined to believe that such a deodorized oil is devoid of useful properties and advise it to be used only in cosmetics.industry.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains more than ninety percent fatty acids. These fats are not destroyed by processing, which means they are present in the same amount in deodorized coconut oil. Even after the oil has been processed, it retains its beneficial properties and they have a great effect on the human body: they speed up metabolism, energize, serve as a backup fuel for the brain and nervous system, improve heart and muscle function, help fight viruses and various bacteria. Numerous studies have shown that coconut oil significantly improves the condition of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Deodorized coconut oil is cholesterol-free, making it safe to use in cooking.

This oil is not recommended for people with various gastrointestinal diseases and allergies.

Refined deodorized coconut oil is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology. It is one of the most effective and popular means in body, face and hair care. This oil perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin, fights stretch marks and makes the skin glow.

But despite some contraindications, coconut deodorized oil is popular all over the world. It is actively used in cooking: it is added to baked goods, dressed salads, added to meat, fish and vegetable dishes. During heat treatment, such oil retains its beneficial properties, which allowscook fried foods without fear.

Deodorized product controversy: consumer opinions

Deodorized oil has many opponents, but there are also those who highlight many advantages for themselves. Opponents believe that such oil is a fake, as it should have a bright taste and aroma. But consumers like it for its transparency and purity.

Also, the advantages of the deodorized product include a shelf life of up to two years under proper storage conditions, given that the unrefined oil has half the shelf life.

Despite some criticism, deodorized oil is in demand in the culinary industry and is in high demand among housewives.