Lexicon
Cold pressing & virgin
Gentle extraction of oil without significant heat , preserves taste and compounds.
Definition
What cold-pressed means
In cold pressing the oil is pressed mechanically from seed or fruit without notable heat. This largely preserves aroma, colour and heat-sensitive compounds.
„Virgin“ for olive oil denotes an unrefined oil from purely mechanical extraction. „Extra virgin“ is the highest grade with strict limits.
In brief
- Cold-pressed: more taste and compounds, but usually a lower smoke point and shorter shelf life.
- Refined: heat- and chemically treated, neutral and heat-stable, but poorer in compounds.
- Storage: keep cold-pressed oils cool, dark and well sealed.
Related terms: Hexane extraction, Polyphenols.
Source
- Cold pressed oil , Wikipedia