Production Process
Selection of Raw Materials:
Vegetable oils resistant to high temperatures, such as palm oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, and sunflower oil, are selected.
Cleaning and Pre-treatment:
Seeds or fruits are cleaned, hulled, and ground to prepare them for oil extraction.
Pressing or Extraction:
Oil is obtained through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction.
Refining Process:
-
Degumming: Removal of phospholipids and gums.
-
Neutralization: Removal of free fatty acids.
-
Bleaching: Purification of color and removal of undesirable impurities.
-
Deodorization: Elimination of volatile compounds responsible for odors and flavors.
Blending and Stabilization:
Balanced blends of different oils may be created to ensure long shelf life and high resistance.
Filling and Packaging:
Packed in industrial drums, large metal tins, or PET bottles.
Areas of Industrial Use
Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains:
Blends containing palm, rapeseed, and sunflower oil are frequently used for deep-frying (potatoes, chicken, seafood, etc.).
High-temperature-resistant oils are preferred for fryer use.
Hotel Kitchens:
Used by professional chefs for preparing breakfasts and large-scale meals.
Blends containing corn and cottonseed oil may be preferred for producing pastries and baked goods.
Bakeries and Pastry Shops:
Used as a substitute for margarine in cookies, cakes, and doughs.
High-temperature-resistant vegetable oils are used for frying sweets such as donuts and churros.
Food Processing Plants:
Specially formulated blends of vegetable oils are employed in packaged chips, nuggets, and other prepared foods.
Extensively used in canned and frozen products.
Use in Africa:
- Street food: Street cooking is very popular in Africa, and Bahia vegetable oil is widely used to prepare dishes such as akara (bean fritters), fried plantains, samosas, and African doughnuts.
- Industrial production: Large restaurants and hotels prefer Bahia vegetable oil for local and international cuisine.
- Home cooking: Its affordable price and versatility make it a common choice in households.
- Traditional dishes: Bahia oil is ideal for preparing oil-rich dishes such as jollof rice, fried accompaniments for fufu, and various African sauces.
