Understanding the difference: Rapeseed Oil vs. Cold-Pressed Rapeseed Oil
Let’s set the scene… You’re doing your weekly food shop. You’re stood in front of the cooking oils display. The choice is overwhelming! So many options! You want something that’s versatile and you can use every day. Rapeseed oil seems like a great choice but there are two different options. Rapeseed oil and cold-pressed rapeseed oil. What’s the difference?
While they share a common origin and come from the same plant, the differences in their processing methods and nutritional profiles set them apart. In this blog, we will debunk some myths and uncover the differences between rapeseed oil and its cold-pressed counterpart and explain what to look out for when you are shopping for cooking oil.
Understanding Rapeseed Oil
Rapeseed oil, commonly known as canola oil in North America, is the edible oil extracted from the seeds of the rapeseed plant (Brassica napus or Brassica rapa). This oil is widely used for having a neutral flavour, versatility in cooking, and high smoke point, making it suitable for various culinary applications. However, the method of extraction can influence its overall composition and characteristics.
What is cold-pressed oil?
Cold-pressing is an extraction method that involves mechanically pressing the oil from the seeds.
This method is considered more gentle and preserves the natural nutty flavour, vivid yellow colour, and nutrients present in the raw rapeseed seeds.
Cold-pressed rapeseed oil has a richer, yet mild and nutty flavour compared to its refined counterpart which has very little natural colour and flavour.
Many qualified nutritionists and health enthusiasts recommend and prefer cold-pressed cooking oils for their potential health benefits and the retention of more natural compounds.
Cold-pressed oil can also be called Extra Virgin oil as they both refer to oil that comes from the first cold pressing of the fruit or seed.
Refined Rapeseed Oil
Rapeseed oil typically undergoes a refining process involving heat, chemical solvents like Hexane, and deodorization to extract as much oil as possible from the seed.
This refining process neutralize the oil's taste, resulting in a neutral flavour and light coloured oil.
There is an argument that this refining process strips the oil of some natural compounds and nutrients such as Omega 3 and 6 which would be desirable additions to a human diet .
The benefits of cold pressed oil
Fatty Acid Composition
Both rapeseed oil and cold-pressed rapeseed oil contain the ideal ratio (1:2) of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids cannot be made by the body so we have to have them in our diet to contributing to good heart and brain health.
Cold-pressed rapeseed oil may retain more of its original fatty acid profile due to the absence of high heat during extraction.
Nutrient Retention
Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is believed to retain more antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals compared to the refined version.
These compounds contribute to the oil's potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and support for the immune system.
Budget
We all have to live within our means, however having a smaller budget doesn’t always mean compromising on quality. Cold pressed rapeseed oil represents great value when compared to other cold pressed oils like Extra Virgin olive oil.
Taste
If you’re making food with an oil you need to like the taste of it. While health and nutritional benefits are important to consider, taste is preference that is personal to you. Cold pressed rapeseed oil has a naturally subtle and mellow flavour which doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
How to cold-press oil
The process of cold- pressing oil is actually incredibly simple. The process of no process if you will! Our rapeseed presses are like large screws which cold press the seeds by squeezing the oil gently from them. The seed is added to the press and the oil is crushed/pressed out of the seeds. No heat or chemicals are applied. It is an entirely mechanical process. Our award-winning oil is then filtered to one micron and sent down our bottling line where we bottle it ready to hit the shelves and your kitchen.
Conclusion
The choice between rapeseed oil and cold-pressed rapeseed oil ultimately depends on personal preferences and health considerations. While refined rapeseed oil can be identified by its neutral colour and flavour, cold-pressed rapeseed oil stands out for its richer taste, beautiful colour, simplistic production methods, nutritional benefits and high smoke point.
Things to consider when buying cooking oils
Cold pressed or Extra Virgin
If you see these words on a bottle of rapeseed oil you know that it is a high-quality cooking oil that has been produced without the assistance of heat or solvents.
Buy British
GM crops are not allowed to be grown in the UK so if your cold pressed rapeseed oil is British you can be sure it is GM FREE
Follow the advice of qualified nutritionists and scientists.
The internet is full of well-meaning people who speak passionately about nutrition, but always question who they are and what qualifies them to share those opinions.
Check your sources and don't instantly believe everything you read or hear online!