Producing organic soybean oil involves processing soybeans according to strict organic standards, which differ significantly from conventional methods, particularly in the extraction and refining stages. While the initial preparation of the soybeans might share similarities with conventional processing, the methods used to extract the oil must comply with organic certification requirements.
Initial Soybean Preparation
The process begins with organic soybeans. Like conventional methods, these soybeans undergo initial preparation steps:
- Cracking: The soybeans are cracked to break them into smaller pieces.
- Moisture Adjustment: The moisture content is adjusted to optimize the subsequent processing steps.
- Heating: The cracked beans may be marginally heated.
- Flaking: The beans are then flaked into thin pieces.
According to a description of soybean oil production, these initial steps prepare the beans for oil extraction: "Soybeans are cracked, adjusted for appropriate moisture content, marginally heated, and flaked followed by solvent extraction and refining to obtain the oil."
Organic Oil Extraction Methods
Crucially, this is where the path for organic soybean oil diverges from the conventional method described in the latter part of the reference. Conventional processing commonly uses solvent extraction, often involving chemical solvents like hexane, which is generally prohibited in organic food processing.
For organic soybean oil, the oil is typically extracted using mechanical methods, such as:
- Expeller Pressing: This involves pressing the flaked soybeans at high pressure using a screw press. This physical method squeezes the oil out of the flakes without the use of synthetic solvents.
This mechanical extraction method is preferred for organic certification as it avoids the use of prohibited chemicals.
Refining Organic Soybean Oil
Following extraction, the crude oil needs refining to remove impurities, color, and odor. However, organic standards also limit the types and extent of refining processes and permitted substances.
- Minimal Processing: Organic refining often involves minimal physical processes rather than chemical treatments used in conventional refining (like bleaching with chemicals or deodorizing at very high temperatures).
- Allowed Substances: Any substances used in organic refining must be approved under organic regulations.
This results in an organic soybean oil that is processed with fewer chemical inputs compared to its conventional counterpart.
Summary of the Organic Process
In essence, making organic soybean oil focuses on using organically grown soybeans and employing processing methods that avoid prohibited synthetic solvents and chemicals, primarily relying on mechanical extraction and minimal, approved refining techniques.
Table: Conventional vs. Organic Soybean Oil Processing (Extraction & Refining)
| Feature | Conventional Soybean Oil | Organic Soybean Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Soybeans | Conventionally grown | Organically grown |
| Extraction | Often solvent extraction (e.g., hexane) | Typically mechanical pressing (e.g., expeller) |
| Refining | Extensive chemical and physical methods | Minimal physical methods, approved substances |
| Certification | No specific organic certification required | Must meet strict organic standards |
By utilizing mechanical pressing and adhering to strict refining guidelines, producers can obtain certified organic soybean oil from organically grown soybeans, ensuring the product meets specific purity and processing standards.
