Vegetable oil is an oil obtained by pressing seeds (sunflower, peanut, etc.), from fruits (coconut, etc.) or by chemical extraction with solvents.

There is a bit of everything in this term, so when you find it on a food label the question comes up: but which vegetable oil ?

Moreover, the extraction process is not usually indicated: cold, hot , chemical ?

In any case, this oil is better than hydrogenated oil that is obtained by various chemical processes that degrade the positive organoleptic qualities.

Thus, vegetable oils can come from many different plant sources, such as sunflower seeds, olives, corn, canola, and many others.

Vegetable oils can come from many different plant sources, such as sunflower seeds, olives, corn, canola, and many others.

Description of raw materials used in production. 

The essential raw materials for producing vegetable oil are the seeds or fruits of a plant from which the oil will be extracted. For example, for olive oil, olives are the raw material. Other oils, like sunflower or corn oil, are extracted from the seeds of the respective plants.

Step-by-step summary of industrial  process.

• Harvesting. Seeds or fruits are harvested from the plant.
• Cleaning and Preparation. The seeds or fruits are cleaned and prepared for oil extraction.
• Oil Extraction. The oil can be extracted either mechanically or using solvents.
• Refining. The extracted oil is purified from impurities through various stages like degumming, neutralization, and decolorization.

Form and color. Vegetable oil generally appears as a viscous liquid, and its color can vary depending on the source it is derived from. It can range from pale yellow to green to brown.

Commercial applications. 

Vegetable oils have a wide range of applications, including food use as cooking oil and an ingredient in various products, industrial use in items like soaps, cosmetics, paints, and as biofuels.

Cooking. Vegetable oil is widely used for cooking, frying, and as an ingredient in various food items like sauces and dressings.

Food Industry. Used in producing snacks, fried foods, baked goods, and more.

Biofuel Production. Vegetable oil can be turned into biodiesel and used as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

Cosmetics. Vegetable oil is applied in various cosmetics and skincare products, providing hydration and nutritious benefits.

Soap Making. It's used in saponification, the process through which soaps are made.

Lubricants. Vegetable oils can be used as lubricants in various industrial and mechanical applications.

Plastic Materials. Used to produce biodegradable plastics and other materials.

Pharmaceutical. Used in some pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient or vehicle for active ingredients.