What Are Cold Pressed Oils And Their Uses?

Beneath the first impressions of oil, there is a world of intrigue. Any business owner whose company is involved in processes requiring oil will be familiar with just how different oils, even those that look almost identical to one another, can be.

From the lightness of grapeseed oil to rich sweet almond oil to tropical notes of coconut oil, there’s an oil seemingly for every purpose; a world of infinite possibilities that can add an extra dimension to any company.

However, oils are separated not just by different source materials, but also by the method by which the oil is extracted from those source materials. In this piece, we’ll delve deeper into the world of cold pressed oils, and highlight why making this switch to this type of oil could well be the right choice for your company…

What is a cold pressed oil?

The term “cold pressed” is a reference to how oil is extracted from a source material, usually using a device called an oil press. With cold pressed oil, the source material – be it a seed, nut, or any other raw material that is suitable for cold press extraction- can only be heated to a certain temperature. In the UK, the British Association of Cold Pressed Oil Producers stipulates that, to be considered cold pressed, the extraction process cannot exceed temperatures of 40°C / 104°F.

The lower temperature used during extraction means the natural compounds within the oil are preserved, without a high acid value – which in turn means there is no need for further refinement. In turn, this means that cold pressed oils retain as much of their natural integrity as possible.

How does cold pressing differ from heated extraction?

Perhaps the most significant difference between cold and heated extraction is the chemicals that are used during the extraction process. With cold pressing, additional chemicals are not necessary – the process can be slow, but it is effective without the need for any further enhancements.

When extracting at high heats, however, chemicals are usually added to the process – sodium, hydroxide, bleaching agents, and many others are often introduced. This means that the resultant oil is more distant from the oil in its purest form; it is adulterated with other – rarely welcome – substances.

What are the main benefits of cold pressed oils? 

Purported health benefits. Many cold pressed oils have been found to offer greater health benefits than their non-cold pressed counterparts. These benefits range from higher quantities of antioxidants to higher levels of Vitamin E – the latter of which is particularly noteworthy, given evidence that shows only one-fifth of people in the world have sufficient Vitamin E intake.

Environmental benefits. As a general rule of the ecological thumb, the fewer chemicals required to conduct any process, the better – and cold pressed oils, as we have discussed, can be produced without the need for additional chemicals. This means that cold pressed processes result in fewer chemicals entering waste systems and, ultimately, the environment at large.

A superior end product. Many of the most common cold pressed oils, such as sunflower and coconut oil, need to be extracted using cold press techniques due to their compositions. If these oils were to be extracted using heat, they produce a subpar product, so in some instances, cold pressed isn’t just the right option due for nutritional and environmental reasons – it’s the only option if you want a good product.

Which oils can be cold pressed?

Some source materials – such as brazil nuts – are simply not suitable for the process of cold pressing, but the vast majority of the most common and often-used oils on the marketplace today are suitable for cold pressing. Avocado oil, coconut oil (which has received particular acclaim in recent years), hemp oil, walnut oil, and the eternally-popular olive oil are all suitable, amongst others, for cold pressing.

How are cold pressed oils most commonly used?

There are several applications for cold pressed oils, but there are some industries that tend to rely on these products more than others.

One sector that utilises cold pressed oils is related to skin and body care. From the “oil cleansing method” to facial oils designed to boost skin health, cold pressed oils have an important role to play in modern-day skincare. Many companies seek to enhance the benefits of their products by using cold pressed oils in order to ensure their product benefits from the best of the best. Soap making also calls for the use of oils as part of recipes, which has resulted in many businesses choosing to turn to cold pressed oils to help guarantee outstanding results in the quality of their products.

Is it possible to cook with cold pressed oils?

If you own a restaurant or café, hearing of the promise of a superior oil will likely make you wonder if you can introduce this type of oil into your establishment. However, there are a few flies in the ointment to address. While it is technically possible to cook with a cold pressed oil, heating a cold pressed oil does somewhat reduce the benefits the oil will offer. The low temperature of cold pressed oils is what helps to set them apart and boost their overall quality, so as soon as you increase the temperature of the oil, some of those benefits are lost.

Furthermore, cold pressing does not remove some of the issues that can be encountered when trying to cook with oils. Some oils, for example, have what is known as a low smoke point, which means they are not suitable to be used in cooking (and can even be considered to be dangerous). Flaxseed oil, walnut oil, canola oil, and wheat germ oil all fall into the category of low-smoke-point oils, and remain in that category (and are thus unsuitable for cooking) regardless of the method of extraction used to produce the oil.

Nevertheless, that’s not to say you can’t use cold pressed oils in your dining establishment. You could, for example, use cold pressed oils as a dressing – such as salad dressing – or as a dipping oil, both of which are usually designed to be consumed while cold. As a result, you can help your patrons to access all the benefits of cold pressed oils without having to compromise the low temperatures that make the oils so important.

In conclusion  

Cold pressed oils offer myriad benefits to a range of businesses, and are without doubt the gold standard for any oil that might be used on a commercial basis. If you are not currently using cold pressed oils, making the switch is likely to be one of the best decisions you can make.