On the market, there is a wide variety of edible oils with significant price differences. How should you choose from the numerous and diverse types of edible oils available? Here's a small tip: find the answer on the food label. First, look at the brand
Generally speaking, well-known brands focus on comprehensive product management, and relevant departments supervise them more effectively, so their products give people greater peace of mind. Second, look at the variety
Currently, there are hundreds of oil varieties on the domestic market. In addition to common rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, and peanut oil, there are also specialty oils such as olive oil, wild camellia oil, garlic oil, perilla oil, grape seed oil, and safflower oil. Generally, specialty oils are relatively more expensive, which is related to their scarce raw material sources. "Things are valuable because they are rare." Some specialty oils also contain special bioactive substances that have certain health benefits for the human body, such as garlic oil and grape seed oil. Regardless of the type, all oils are an important source of fatty acids for the body. If financial conditions permit, you can consume more specialty oils appropriately. It's best to rotate several types of edible oils, which is more beneficial for maintaining health. Third, look at the raw materials
Most edible oils sold on the market are "blended oils." Blended oil, also known as composite oil, is an edible oil made by blending two or more refined oils in proportion according to usage needs. Blended oils on the market can be divided into three types:
Nutritional blended oil, also known as linoleic acid blended oil, is generally based on sunflower oil, blended with soybean oil, corn germ oil, and cottonseed oil to adjust the linoleic acid content to around 60%. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid for the human body and has a protective effect on health.
Economic blended oil is mainly based on rapeseed oil, blended with a certain proportion of soybean oil, and is relatively inexpensive.
Flavor blended oil is made by blending rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, rice bran oil with strongly fragrant peanut oil or sesame oil in a certain proportion.
It should be noted that some manufacturers intentionally place the names of certain high-priced specialty oils in prominent positions on the blended oil label to mislead consumers. Also, check if it is a genetically modified (GM) product. If the processing raw material is GM soybeans, there is usually a line stating "Contains genetically modified soybeans as a processing raw material" at the bottom of the label, but merchants often use very small font, which requires careful searching to find. This type of oil is relatively cheaper. Most of the soybean salad oil and rapeseed oil currently sold on the market are made from GM raw materials. When any crop is determined to be modified by GM technology, it must first undergo a safety assessment to ensure it has no adverse effects on the human body before it can be marketed. Some GM products are also fortified with certain nutrients, making them more nutritious. Of course, some experts are also cautious about the safety of GM foods. Fourth, look at the processing method
There are two extraction methods for edible oil: pressing and extraction.
Pressing method uses physical pressure to separate the oil from the oilseeds. The modern pressing method is already an industrialized process. Since the pressing method does not involve adding any chemical substances, the various components in the pressed oil remain relatively complete. However, its disadvantages are low oil yield, higher price, and possible impurities, resulting in a relatively short shelf life.
Extraction method uses the mutual solubility of oil and organic solvents. It requires the solvent to contact the oil in the oilseeds to extract and dissolve it, followed by a strict process to remove the solvent from the oil. Compared to the pressing method, the extraction method has a higher oil yield, lower processing cost, and makes full use of oilseed resources. Oil produced by the extraction method is cheaper than that produced by the pressing method.
Whether it is extracted oil or pressed oil, as long as it meets China's edible oil quality and hygiene standards, it is a safe edible oil. Fifth, look at the production date
Edible oils have a short shelf life. If stored for too long, not protected from sunlight, stored at too high a room temperature, or left unused for a long time after the container is opened, the edible oil is prone to oxidation and rancidity, developing a "stale" smell. Oxidized and rancid edible oils will have a large increase in harmful substances such as peroxides, which are harmful to human health and should be stopped from being consumed. Therefore, be sure to check the production date when purchasing and do not buy too much at once to ensure it is consumed within its shelf life.
Understanding the relevant product information on the edible oil label can help you buy a satisfactory edible oil. Also, don't forget the most basic piece of information—the food safety quality mark.