Corn oil which is extremely nutritional and also known as maize oil is extracted from the corn. It is commonly used as cooking oil but its high smoke point makes it highly valued frying oil. Apart from cooking, refined corn oil is also used in the preparation of margarine.
The refining process removes these unwanted harmful elements from the crude oil and imparts a few of the most valuable qualities which include pleasant taste and resistance to smoking, discoloration, developing flavors. Let us begin with the process of refining the corn oil.
Process of Refining Corn Oil
Crude Corn oil is refined through the alkali neutralization process which is a chemical refining process and involves numerous steps. The major steps involved in refining of crude corn oil through alkali neutralization are:-
Gums conditioning & Neutralization
In this process, the crude oil is first treated with acid (citric acid/ phosphoric acid) followed by treatment with alkali to neutralize the oil which is followed by soap separation. Further, the soap separated oil is washed from hot water for removing the traces of soap, later dried for obtaining neutralized oil.
Bleaching
This process removes the color pigments, polycyclic aromatic compounds, dirt, trace metals, phospholipids, and other impurities through the interaction of the absorbent with oil or fat in order to improve its quality. At first, the oil is heated, and then bleaching clay is added to the oil at the atmospheric condition as it helps to utilize the moisture of bleaching earth for a better outcome.
The corn oil is heated for refined corn oil process in the separate heater which works under vacuum. After heating, the corn oil it is sent to the bleaching reactor for the decolonization & purification process for refined Corn oil.
Deodorization:
The next step is deodorization, where the oil is heated at a high temperature under vacuum to remove any remaining odors and flavors. This process effectively eliminates volatile compounds responsible for undesirable tastes and aromas, leaving the oil with a neutral flavor profile.
Winterization
In this process, the higher melting point parts such as saturated triglycerides and waxes are removed from the oil. The vegetable oil is slowly cooled and saturated glycerides are crystallized. This process consists of fractional crystallization of fats and oil which is further followed by solid-liquid separation through filter.
Filtration and Quality Control:
After the refining steps are completed, the oil undergoes additional filtration to remove any fine particles or remaining impurities. Quality control tests are conducted to ensure that the final product meets industry standards for purity, color, and taste.
Packaging and Storage:
The refined corn oil is now ready for packaging. It is typically stored in airtight containers to prevent oxidation and maintain its quality. Proper storage conditions, away from light and heat, are essential to preserve the oil's freshness and shelf life.
De-Acidification Cum Deodorization
This is the last step of edible oil refining in which a certain amount of stripping agent is passed through hot oil for a certain period of time at quite a low pressure. The pre-treated oil is further processed for removing fatty acids, odor, and other constituents.
This process is carried out at high temperature as well as under high vacuum along with sparging steam. This process removes the remaining free fatty acids and odoriferous compounds making the oil fit for human consumption.
Conclusion:
With quality in every drop, refined corn oil stands as a valuable asset in the kitchen. Its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and heart-healthy properties make it an ideal choice for various cooking methods. Embrace the versatility and healthful benefits of refined corn oil to elevate your culinary journey to new heights. So, bring the golden elixir of refined corn oil into your kitchen today and savor the delights it brings to your favorite dishes.
For more information: https://www.gulaboils.com/
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