Inside our refining process – how we retain purity

In Indian kitchens, oil is more than an ingredient. It carries aromas, holds spices together, and quietly shapes the final experience of a meal – whether it’s a weekday sabzi or a festive spread.

Yet, one question often comes up when choosing an edible oil: What does “refined” actually mean – and how is purity maintained through the process?

At Purti Vanaspati, refining is not about stripping oil down. It’s about carefully cleaning it, step by step, while respecting both food safety and traditional cooking needs.

This is the story of how we retain purity through refining.

What Does “Refined Oil” Really Mean?

Refined oil is sometimes misunderstood. In simple terms, refining means removing naturally occurring impurities that may affect:

• – Colour,
• – Smell,
• – Stability,
• – or Suitability for everyday cooking.

 

These impurities are not harmful by default, but if left untreated, they can:

• – Alter taste,
• – Shorten shelf life,
• – or Behave unpredictably at cooking temperatures.

 

A well-refined edible oil is designed to be:

• – Safe for consumption,
• – Neutral in flavour,
• – Consistent across different cooking methods.

 

At our facilities, refining is carried out under strict hygiene and quality protocols, aligned with applicable FSSAI standards – without adding unnecessary substances or artificial elements.

 

A Thoughtful, Step-by-Step Refining Process

 

Refining is not a single action. It is a controlled sequence, where each step has a clear purpose.

 

1. Degumming – Clearing What Doesn’t Belong

Crude oil naturally contains gums (phospholipids) that can affect clarity and texture.

During degumming:

• – These gums are gently separated,
• – Helping improve visual clarity,
• – And making the oil easier to handle during cooking.

 

This step does not alter the oil’s character – it simply removes what the kitchen doesn’t need.

 

2. Neutralisation – Balancing the Oil

Free fatty acids can sometimes develop during oil extraction and storage.
If not addressed, they may:

• – Create bitterness,
• – or Reduce stability over time.

 

Neutralisation carefully removes excess free fatty acids, helping ensure:

• – A cleaner taste,
• – Consistent quality batch after batch.

 

The process is closely monitored to avoid over-processing.

 

3. Bleaching (Without Bleach) – Letting Nature Do the Work

Despite the name, bleaching does not involve household bleach or harsh chemicals.

Instead, we use food-grade natural clays to:

• – Absorb unwanted pigments,
• – Reduce uneven colouration,
• – And refine the oil’s appearance.

 

This step is about visual purity – not artificial brightness.

 

4. Deodorisation – Neutral, Not Empty

Some oils carry strong natural odours that may interfere with certain recipes.

Through deodorisation:

• – Steam is used under controlled conditions,
• – Unwanted odours are removed,
• – Without adding flavours or masking agents.

 

The result is an oil that stays neutral, allowing spices, grains, and vegetables to take centre stage.

 

Why This Refining Method Matters

A refining process should protect more than it removes.

At Purti Vanaspati, the focus is on:

• – Process discipline, not shortcuts,
• – Consistency, not over-processing,
• – Purity, not exaggeration.

 

Our refining practices aim to ensure that the oil:

• – Meets FSSAI food safety and hygiene requirements,
• – Contains no chemical residues beyond permitted limits,
• – Retains its declared fat composition, including MUFA and PUFA as mentioned on the label,
• – Remains suitable for everyday Indian cooking.

 

This approach applies across our range – from Purti Vanaspati, an iconic product trusted across generations, to oils like Soyalite Refined Soyabean Oil, Sunlife Refined Sunflower Oil, Rizola Refined Rice Bran Oil, and our Refined Vegetable Oils.

Each oil is refined with its intended culinary use in mind.

 

Refining and Indian Cooking: Finding the Right Balance

Indian cuisine is diverse. Deep frying, tempering, sautéing, and slow cooking often happen in the same kitchen – sometimes in the same meal.

Refined oils are commonly chosen for:

• – Base cooking,
• – Neutral flavour requirements,
• – And consistent behaviour at different cooking temperatures.

 

That doesn’t mean traditional fats lose their place.

 

Traditional Fats Are Still Respected

Ghee, butter, coconut oil, and other traditional fats are deeply woven into Indian food culture.

They are often used:

• – For finishing dishes,
• – During festivals,
• – Or for specific regional preparations.

 

Refined oils don’t replace these traditions -they support everyday cooking routines, offering flexibility while allowing traditional fats to shine where they matter most.

Many households naturally combine both, based on recipe and occasion.

 

A Quiet Process, A Visible Difference

Refining rarely makes headlines – and that’s intentional.

When done correctly:

• – The process stays invisible,
• – The oil behaves predictably,
• – And the food remains the focus.

 

At Purti Vanaspati, retaining purity means respecting the ingredient, the kitchen, and the trust placed in us by Indian households.

 

Kitchen Thought for the Week

“Purity isn’t about removing everything – it’s about keeping what truly belongs.”

 

Video Link: https://youtu.be/_blwspi1cCU

 

Coming Up Next Week

In the next edition of 52 Weeks to a Healthier Kitchen, we’ll explore how families can build a long-term cooking oil routine that fits everyday meals, special occasions, and regional preferences – without overthinking the kitchen.

 

Disclaimer: This blog is for general awareness purposes only and does not provide medical advice or claim prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease.

For health or diet-related decisions, consult a qualified doctor or nutritionist.

All nutritional references and statements are made in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.

Cooking oils should always be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

All plant-based edible oils are naturally cholesterol-free.