Peanut oil holds a significant place in daily life, being a staple in kitchens around the world. It is widely used in cooking due to its high smoke point and rich flavor. In the international market, the demand for high - quality export - grade peanut oil is constantly on the rise. Understanding the production process, especially the impact of the crushing stage on the oil yield, is crucial for both producers and global buyers.
The production of export - grade peanut oil begins with the shelling of peanuts. Removing the shells is the first step to expose the kernels, which are the source of the oil. Specialized shelling machines are used to ensure efficient and gentle shell removal, minimizing damage to the kernels. This process sets the foundation for the subsequent steps in oil production.
There are two main methods of extracting peanut oil: hot - pressing and cold - pressing. Hot - pressing involves heating the peanuts to a certain temperature before pressing. This method can significantly increase the oil yield, usually achieving an oil extraction rate of about 45% - 50%. The high temperature helps to break down the cell walls of the peanuts, releasing more oil. However, the high - temperature process may also affect the nutritional value and flavor of the oil to some extent.
Cold - pressing, on the other hand, is carried out at a lower temperature, typically below 60°C. Although the oil yield is relatively lower, around 35% - 40%, cold - pressed peanut oil retains more nutrients and has a more natural and pure flavor. Global buyers often consider these factors based on their market demand and consumer preferences when choosing between hot - pressed and cold - pressed peanut oil.
Before the actual pressing, peanuts undergo a thorough cleaning process. This includes removing dirt, debris, and any impurities. Cleaning not only ensures the quality of the final oil product but also helps to prevent damage to the pressing equipment. Additionally, the peanuts may be dried to an appropriate moisture content, which is usually around 8% - 10%. This optimal moisture level is essential for efficient oil extraction and to maintain the stability of the oil during storage.
In some production processes, peanuts are baked before pressing. The baking temperature plays a crucial role in determining the oil yield and the quality of the oil. When the baking temperature is around 120°C - 130°C for a certain period, it can improve the fluidity of the oil in the peanuts and enhance the extraction efficiency. However, if the temperature is too high, it may cause the peanuts to burn, resulting in a decrease in oil quality and yield.
The crushing stage is a key part of peanut oil production. During this stage, the peanuts are crushed into small particles. The size of the crushed particles has a direct impact on the oil yield. When the particle size is appropriately reduced, the surface area of the peanuts in contact with the pressing equipment increases, allowing for more efficient oil extraction. Studies have shown that when the average particle size of crushed peanuts is between 2 - 3 mm, the oil yield can be optimized. By controlling the crushing process, producers can increase the oil yield by about 3% - 5% compared to non - optimized crushing.
After the crushing stage, the peanuts are pressed to extract the oil. The crude oil then goes through a refining process to remove impurities, odors, and colors, ensuring the oil meets the high - quality standards for export. Finally, the refined peanut oil is filled into containers and ready for the market. Moreover, the oil cake left after pressing can be reused as animal feed or fertilizer, maximizing the utilization of resources.
Our company's peanut oil is produced strictly following the above - mentioned process. We are committed to providing high - quality export - grade peanut oil that meets the diverse needs of global buyers. Our products are not only rich in flavor but also have excellent quality and nutritional value. You can trust our products for your business.
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