Have you ever wondered what "Cold Pressed oils" are?
Is it something that increases the oil potency? And what about "unrefined oil"? Are they any similar to cold-pressed oils?
If you have these questions in mind, then we'll help you out.
Starting from the basics, there are many ways to extract oils from herbs and plants. They can be diluted with different essentials, cold-pressed, or refined at different grades to make the final product. All these terms are references to the beneficial processing of the oil from its original source.
Cold-pressed, being the best of them all offers the most consistency, purity, nutrients, and other benefits that one can obtain.
They are pure, natural, and free from any chemicals and preservatives, hence providing the most characteristics of the source ingredient. But it doesn't mean that other extraction methods are lower in the spectrum. They are good on their own term and in most cases, can be easily applied and used.
So, what is the major difference? Let's find out!
What are Cold Pressed Oils?
Cold Pressed oils are oils extracted from hydraulic techniques.
For this, the ingredients of the source product are grinded under pressure using low heating. Then a huge cylinder or hydraulics is used where the material is continuously crushed until the oil is extracted from the ingredient.
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Ingredients vary from nuts to seeds, fruits, and even vegetables. The process doesn't require any refining steps nor there are any filtration or preservatives. The oil is quickly stored in refined packaging that includes amber glass jars and bottles.
The Cold Pressed oil retains its original taste, nutrition, flavor, and fragrance. A study conducted by Penn State University says that these oils should be crushed at 120F or less. Some manufacturers heat the oil at a higher temperate to retain more oil, but this doesn't ensure 100% purity.
The only way to know for sure if it's pure or not is to check the labeling or to contact the manufacturer directly.
Common Cold Pressed Oils include:
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Pumpkin Seed Oil
- Grapeseed Oi
- Hazelnut Oil
- Almond Oil
- Borage Oil
Shop USDA Organic Essential Oils
Unfortunately, not all oils are extracted from this method. The moisture level of the seed or nut determines if the oil can be extracted using cold-pressed or not. If in case the oil can't be extracted using cold-pressed, other methods are adopted.
Benefits of Cold Pressed Oil
Cold-pressed oils are counted as one of the best in the industry. Here are some benefits of why they are so much preferred:
- Cold-pressed oil contains rich elements of nutrients, minerals, and other characteristics
- They can be used as raw cooking oil as well as for external usage (Make sure to check the packaging before use)
- They give outstanding results for skin and hair usage
- Cold Pressed oils are also used in burners and for body massage
- Cold-pressed oils are free from chemicals and other preservatives
- They have the most purity, potency, and characteristics than any oil available
- They are the most desired for skin care and are relatively expensive
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What are unrefined oils?
Also known as Virgin, extra virgin, and raw oils, unrefined oils are a category of products that are either cold-pressed at a high level or expeller pressed. It means that they are gone through the same process of cold-pressed, only the temperate or the hydraulic process varies.
These are relatively gentle methods of extraction and offer more oil than the cold-pressed. The portion of oil also contains all the vitamins, minerals, and other characteristics, only they have fewer values.
Conclusion
If you're looking for the highest potency, to gain the maximum benefits, and to enjoy a product free of chemicals and other preservatives, cold-pressed oils are on the top. There are other oils in the genre, but those aren't as pure as cold-pressed.
And the cherry on top, if they are USDA organic, you're in for a treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are cold pressed oils expensive?
Cold-pressed oils are expensive because they follow a strict extraction process. The ingredients are grinded and then pressed at light heat continuously to get a fraction of oil. The purer they are, the higher the price.
How can you tell if oil is cold pressed?
Look for labeling or contact the supplier directly. In most cases, cold-pressed oils are higher in potency, so they have a thick texture compared to other oils.
Can you use cold-pressed oil for cooking?
In most cases, cold-pressed oils are used for dressing on salads or for minor cooking. If the extraction process is safe and no preservatives are added, then you can replace your regular oils with this. But make sure to check the labeling before you use it.