People have been using oil as a base ingredient for various applications such as cooking, energy production, skin care & industrial processes.
Today in this article we will dive into the sizzling showdown of refined oil vs cold pressed oil & uncover the secrets behind their extraction methods and unravel the controversy to help you with the selection of your cooking oil.
Will refined oil’s polished allure triumph, or does cold-pressed oil’s raw goodness steal the spotlight?
Get ready to explore the depths of flavor and nutrition in this epic oil clash!
What are refined oils?
Refined oils also known as hot pressed oils are oils that have undergone a refining process of removing impurities and undesirable components to improve their shelf life, stability, and flavor.
How are refined oils made?
Refined oils are extracted by making use of high heat & chemical solvents. It goes through a high speed extraction process, which involves degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization to remove impurities, improve stability, and enhance flavor.
Some examples of refined oil
- Canola oil
- Corn oil
- Cottonseed oil
- Sunflower oil
- Soybean oil
- Vegetable oil
What are cold pressed oils?
Cold pressed oils, traditionally called chekku, ghani and kolhu are oils extracted from seeds, nuts, or fruits using a mechanical process to extract oil or chemicals without heat due to which these oils retain their natural nutrients, flavor, healthy fats, aroma, nutritional & anti-inflammatory properties.
How are cold pressed oils made?
Cold pressed oils are made by mechanically pressing seeds, nuts, or fruits to extract the oil, without the use of heat or chemicals. The process involves crushing or grinding the raw material and then applying pressure to extract the oil.
Some examples of cold pressed oils
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Walnut oil
- Avocado oil
- Sesame oil
- Peanut oil
- Grape seed oil
- Groundnut oil
Refined oil vs cold pressed oil: Let us have a look at some of the main differences
| Feature | Refined Oil | Cold-Pressed Oil |
| Origin | Typically from seeds or nuts that have been processed with heat and chemicals | Typically from seeds or nuts that have been pressed at room temperature |
| Color | Lighter in color | Darker in color |
| Consistency | Thinner and more watery | Thicker and more viscous |
| Smell | Neutral or slightly sweet | Rich and nutty |
| Taste | Bland or slightly sweet | Rich and flavorful |
| Best use | For cooking at high temperatures | Useful for lower temperature cooking like sauteing or baking |
| Storage | Can be stored up-to 6 months at a normal room temperature | Needs refrigeration and used within 2 months |
| Health benefits | May cause various heart diseases, heart attack, cancer & other health problems | Cold-pressed oil is rich in vitamin A & E, it can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and improving heart health. |
Now having known the difference between refined oil and cold pressed oil, let us have a look at its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of refined oil
Advantages
- Smoke point: Refined oils have a higher smoke point than cold-pressed oils. This means that they can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down and forming harmful compounds. This makes them a good choice for cooking at high temperatures, such as frying and sauteing.
- Flavor: Some refined oils have a neutral flavor, which makes them a good choice for cooking when you want the flavor of the food to be the main focus.
- Cost: Refined oils are typically less expensive than cold-pressed oils. This makes them a more affordable option for cooking.
Disadvantages
- Nutrient loss: The processing of refined oils can destroy some of the nutrients in the oil. This is because heat and chemicals can break down the nutrients in the oil. Some of the nutrients that can be lost during processing include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Taste: Some refined oils have a bland or slightly sweet taste. This is because the processing can remove some of the flavor compounds in the oil.
- Unhealthy fats: Some refined oils are high in unhealthy fats, such as trans fats. Trans fats are a type of fat that can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- Oxidation: Refined oils are more susceptible to oxidation than cold-pressed oils. This means that they can go rancid more easily. Oxidation can also produce harmful compounds, such as free radicals.
- Allergies: Some people may be allergic to refined oils. This is because refined oils are often processed with chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions.
Advantages and disadvantages of cold pressed oil
Advantages
- Nutrient retention: Cold-pressed oils are extracted without the use of heat or chemicals, which helps to preserve the nutrients in the oil. This includes fatty acids(Omega 3), vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Flavor: Cold-pressed oils have a richer, more complex flavor than refined oils. This is because the nutrients and flavor compounds in the oil are not destroyed during processing.
- Smoke point: Cold-pressed oils have a lower smoke point than refined oils. This means that they should not be used for cooking at high temperatures, such as frying and sauteing.
- Cost: Cold-pressed oils are typically more expensive than refined oils. This is because they are more labor-intensive and expensive to produce.
Disadvantages
- Shorter shelf life: Cold-pressed oils have a shorter shelf life than refined oils. This is because they are more susceptible to oxidation. Oxidation can cause the oil to go rancid and develop a bad taste.
- Not suitable for all cooking methods: Cold-pressed oils should not be used for cooking at high temperatures, as they can break down and form harmful compounds.
- Taste: Some people may find the taste of cold-pressed oils to be too strong or pungent.
Cold pressed vs refined oil: Which one should you choose?
The best type of oil for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are concerned about your health, you may want to choose cold-pressed oils. However, if you are looking for an oil that is affordable and has a long shelf life, then refined oils may be a better option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of oil is right for you is to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you assess your individual needs and make the best decision for your health.
