Initially, cold pressed oil and refined oil might appear to be the same but actually, they have big differences not only in terms of how they are made but also in flavor and health benefits.
Being familiar with the differences will definitely allow you to select the oil that is best suited to your family’s daily cooking.To start with the basics, cold pressed oil has the same closest nature to fresh juice. The seeds after being cleaned, are gently pressed to slowly release the oil naturally. This method preserves the several beneficial compounds like vitamins, antioxidants, and the good fats within the oil.
How refined oil is produced
Refined oil is factory processed many times before it could be found in your kitchen. Initially the seeds are very hot crushed and dried to maximum extraction of the oil. Then, to extract the remaining oil from the left over seed material, the use of chemicals and solvents is made. Then, the crude oil undergoes many refining processes, such as degumming, neutralizing bleaching, and deodorizing. During these stages, the odour, colour, and natural particles of the oil are washed away – along with several nutrients that are good for our health – resulting in a refined oil that is practically tasteless, without colour and odour.
Nutrition: Which is healthy?
Cold pressed oil retains more of the original nutrients because it is not exposed to high temperatures and does not undergo chemical processing. Typical content of a cold pressed oil:
The exposure of heat and chemicals to refined oils results in a significant loss of these nutrients. Besides, some refined oils may contain slight residues of chemicals and might produce unhealthy trans fats during processing, which are very detrimental to the heart. Approximately, cold pressed oil from a health standpoint is the most logical option in most cases.
Taste, aroma, and use in cooking
In Cold-pressed vs. refined oil. Cold-pressed oils not only retain the rich natural taste of the seeds or nuts they come from but also the aroma. For instance, cold-pressed mustard oil has a potent flavor while cold-pressed coconut oil gives off a nice coconut scent.
Such oils make the food more tasty and impart the feeling that the dish has been prepared in a very homely manner.
On the other hand, refined oils are almost tasteless and odorless because these attributes are eliminated during refining. Some people like this as the oil will not interfere with the flavor of the food. However, this also means that the oil is devoid of the natural flavor and nutritional characteristics of the original product.
Moreover, refined oils have a higher smoke point and are more stable hence suitable for deep frying at very high temperatures. However, if one uses cold-pressed oil properly, it will be much healthier than refined oil for regular cooking like stir frying, making tempering or light frying at home.
Safety, shelf life, and cost
Since cold pressed oil contains no added preservatives or powerful chemicals, it generally has a shorter shelf life than refined oil. For optimum quality, it should be kept in a cool, dark place and used within a few months. On the other hand, you are giving your family a product that is more natural and less processed.
The extended shelf life of refined oils is attributable to their processing method and in many cases, their enrichment with antioxidants and stabilizers. Usually, they are significantly less expensive and can be bought almost anywhere. They say you get what you pay for, and cheaper prices usually mean a sacrifice to your health since these oils usually contain fewer nutrients; besides, overdoing them could also mean more inflammation and more exposure to lifestyle diseases.
So, what oil do you go with?
In terms of staying healthy for a long time, enjoying the natural flavor, and minimum use of chemicals, the cold-pressed oils practically point to the best option. They are perfect for:
Just because refined oil looks so clear and clean on the outside, doesn’t mean it is fresh from the farm and not produced in a factory.
To a customer you can simply think of cold-pressed oil as being closer to nature, whereas refined oil is almost a processed item.
Conclusion
In other words, opting for cold-pressed oil is a way to invest your money in your health, enjoying great taste, and a natural lifestyle for your family. Besides, when you support known brands such as Matrika Natural Foods, you are indeed assisting the farmers and manufacturers who give top priority to excellent raw materials and less use of refining of their products.
