Carrier Oils FAQs

1. What is a Virgin (Unrefined) Oil?

Virgin (Unrefined) oils are left in their natural state after pressing, retaining all their nutrients, aroma, and flavor. They typically have a lower smoke point, making them ideal for low to medium heat cooking and recipes where a stronger aroma and nutritional value are desired.

2. What is a Refined Oil?

Refined oils undergo processing to remove impurities, unwanted flavors, and aromas. They generally have a higher smoke point, making them suitable for medium to high heat cooking like sautéing or stir-frying. Due to their milder scent, refined oils are often used in body care products as well.

3. What is Bleaching in Oil Processing?

Bleaching is a process that removes unwanted color and impurities from oils. This is done by mixing the oil with special clays that absorb sulfur compounds, trace metals, and other undesirable materials. The clay is then filtered out, leaving a more neutral-colored oil.

4. What is Deodorizing in Oil Processing?

Deodorizing is a purification step where high-temperature steam is used to remove residual odors and flavors from oils. This results in a more neutral-tasting oil, which is useful for culinary and cosmetic applications where a mild scent is preferred.

5. What Does "Cold Pressed" Mean?

Cold pressing is an extraction method where oil is obtained by crushing seeds, nuts, or fruits without using chemicals or additional heat. The process keeps temperatures below 90-100°F, preserving the oil’s natural nutrients, flavor, and aroma. Cold-pressed oils are considered high quality because they retain more of their original properties.

6. What Does "Expeller Pressed" Mean?

Expeller pressing extracts oil by using high pressure and friction in a single-step process. This method can generate heat (typically 120-200°F), but no additional heat is applied. In some cases, a cooling system is used to maintain the oil’s nutritional integrity. Expeller-pressed oils are often still classified as cold-pressed if their temperature stays relatively low.