In the world of edible oils, you will often get to hear and see two terms that are often spoken of – filtered and refined. Both of these terms may seem to have a similar meaning. in the gastronomic sense, they are both different in meaning, have their distinct roles to play, and have different characteristics too. So, without complicating things further, let’s get to the basics of what each of them are and why they are termed differently.
What is Oil Filtering?
Filtering is a simple procedure used to remove impurities and other solid particles from the original extracted oil. To simplify, it is just like how we prepare filtered coffee to get rid of the coarse coffee grounds and finally hold a cup of perfectly brewed coffee without anything causing discomfort to the tongue. The extracted oil is passed through a machine fitted with a fine mesh that filters out even the smallest of impurities, such as sediments, parts of the plant, or anything from the air, leaving you with just the purest form of oil.
The Benefits Associated With Filtered Oil
- Preserve the Natural Flavors:The first benefit associated with filtered oil is that it contains the natural flavor and scent of the source, whether it’s groundnuts, sesame seeds, or any other oil-producing plant such as olives or rice. Filtered oil fits perfectly for cuisines that allow oil to play a very important role.
- Better Health Benefits:As opposed to refined oil, filtered oil is the closest to nature, where its nutrients are intact with just the physical impurities removed. The process is gentle, with no physical changes to the oil and its properties. Properties such as essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants stay with you even after filtration, helping you with multiple health benefits and zero harm.
- Versatile:Filtered oils are considered an all-rounder that can be used to cook meals and for salad dressings. It enhances the taste of the meal, helping you with a perfect culinary experience for both cooked and uncooked meals.
What is Oil Refining?
Unlike filtering, where the oil goes through just a filtering sieve, oil refining is a more complicated and time-consuming process. While it removes impurities first, the next stage includes changing the oil’s physical properties and chemical composition. There are large machines where the oil undergoes mechanical and chemical processes along with heat, and only then is the final product extracted. The multiple stages are degumming, neutralization, bleaching, deodorization, dewaxing, and fractionation, which finally help you with clear and refined oil, ready for use.
The Benefits Associated With Refined Oil
- Neutral Taste:While the natural essence of the oil is refined, these oils tend to have a neutral or no flavor at all. For cuisines that you want to avoid the oil overpowering, this is the perfect choice. For culinary tasks such as baking or frying, where you want the oil to play an important role but do not want its flavor to overpower, this should be your first choice.
- Reduced Allergen Risk:There are people who are allergic to certain food products such as nuts or seeds, and while oils are derived from them, refined oil doesn’t result in any allergies as compared to consuming the same unfiltered oil. Refined oils contain minimal allergens because the refining process eliminates the proteins that are likely to trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, refined oils turn out to be a safer choice for those with specific food allergies.
- Better Shelf Life:When the oil undergoes the refining process, it removes elements responsible for spoiling. Therefore, refined oil has a better shelf life and can be used for a longer time when compared to filtered oils. It gets to be the right choice for health-conscious homes that do not use much oil for their food or commercial kitchens that purchase oil in bulk.
How Do You Pick Oil For The Right Dish?
There is no concept of one size fitting all when it comes to preparing meals with oils. Depending on the type of dish that is being prepared and your preferences, you need to make sure you have picked the right oil. Here is something that can help you.
Conclusion
Understanding the details associated with filtered and refined oils allows you to bring out the best in the dishes you prepare. So the next time you plan to prepare that perfect meal, you will know what choice to make – filtered or refined?
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