The cooking oil processing industry involves the extraction and processing of oils and fats from vegetable sources cooking oils and fats are principally used for human consumption but are also used in animal feed, for medicinal purposes, and for certain technical applications. The oils and fats are extracted from a variety of fruits, seeds, and nuts. Today, commercial extraction of cooking oils is often accomplished through chemical processes. For those seeking a more natural product, a small, hand-operated oil press can help make cooking oils at home.
Production Process of Cooking Oil Plant
1. Begin by carefully selecting the seeds you wish to use. Remove any husks, seed coats, or small stones. Select dry seed to use, as moist seeds can become mouldy and can hinder the extraction process.
2. Warm your seeds to increase the amount of oil you can extract from them. You can warm the seeds in the oven, or you can even heat them in the sun if it's a hot day. Optimal oil extraction occurs between 100 degrees and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Extract the oil by crushing the seeds with a wooden mortal and pestle in batches. Fill a clean, cloth bag with the crushed seed and hang it above a pan to drain. Once the bag has finished draining, crush the bag with rocks or apply pressure to extract the remaining oil. You can also use an oil milling machinery for this step to capture more oil with less effort.
4. Clarify the oil by removing any impurities that may remain. Allow your collected oil to sit for two to three days, then scoop off the top layer and discard it.
