Refined Oils

A refined oil is produced by pressing plant material under high temperature or by solvent extraction. Water, acid, brine, activated carbon or bleaching clay may be used in the refining process to remove unwanted substances, such as cloudy matter, colouring, odours, flavouring substances or solvent residues. The benefit of a refined oil is that the process removes odour and colour, producing a crystal clear product with an extended shelf life of up to 24 months, compared to natural oils which may only have up to 12 months shelf life. The process does not affect the fatty acid profile of the oil. However, the final product will lose sensitive substances like betacarotene and vitamin E, and secondary plant compounds like carotinoides.