Processing Techniques for Flaxseed Oil

One of the key features of flaxseed oil is its low-temperature processing, which helps retain maximum nutritional value. This sets it apart from many common cooking oils on the market. Here’s an overview of the basic oil extraction methods:

1. Solvent Extraction vs. Pressing:

• Solvent Extraction: This method uses solvent oil (like hexane) to soak the oilseed material, followed by high-temperature extraction. The oil then undergoes a refining process called “six removals” (which includes degumming, decolorizing, deodorizing, and others). While this method has a high oil yield and low production costs, it significantly damages the oil's nutritional components.
• Pressing Method: This method relies on physical pressure to extract oil directly from the seeds without any chemical additives. It can be divided into hot pressing and cold pressing. Hot pressing requires roasting the raw materials, while cold pressing processes them directly at natural conditions. Cold pressing preserves the oil’s safety and natural nutrients, making it the ideal method, though it typically has a lower oil yield and higher costs. Most oils found in the market are extracted using the solvent method.

Subcritical Low-Temperature Extraction:
This technique processes flaxseeds in a closed system at temperatures not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, effectively preserving the oil’s nutritional components. It combines the benefits of cold pressing while achieving a higher oil yield, allowing for large-scale industrial production and reducing resource waste.