Sunflower oil is created on the basis of vegetable fats, which are extracted from the seeds of this plant. This type of product is considered the most common among residents of Russia and neighboring countries.
The chemical composition of sunflower oils
In the composition, preference is given to fats, which make up approximately 54% of the product. The concentration of carbohydrates is about 25.5%. Proteins and phytin occupy 2.3%. Tannins - 1.7%. Also in the composition are phospholipids, vitamins (A, E), carotenoids, organic acids, such as tartaric, citric and chlorogenic.
In sunflower oils there is a considerable number of glycerides, which together create a certain barrier to the development or occurrence of a sclerotic process in the human body. Therefore, this product is very useful.
The density of sunflower oil is approximately 921-928 kilograms per cubic meter at a temperature of about 10 degrees. This product in its raw form has a rich pleasant taste and smell.
Conditions and principles of seed storage before use
It is known that the density of oil depends directly on the saving system. Therefore, if some conditions are not met, manufacturers will neglect their duties, then the product obtained as a result of such storage of components will simply be of poor quality. Such oils are usually very cheap.
Seed Processing Steps
- Their preliminary cleaning from various impurities before oil production.
- Seed conditioning based on moisture.
- Direct storage.
Maintaining the level of quality of seeds has the main task - protection from spoilage, so that the density of sunflower oil made from them reaches the required level, and the loss remains minimal. These principles define the storage system of primary products that are prepared for operation.
Types and density of vegetable (sunflower) oil, purpose
1. Raw.
This type of oil is only filtered, so it is the most useful. Biologically valuable components are maximally preserved in this product. What is the density of crude sunflower oil depends on the temperature of its heating. For example, if it is +10 degrees, then it turns out 922-929 kg / m 3 .
2. Hydrated.
This product is obtained by mechanical cleaning and hydration ( sprayed water is passed through oil heated to 60 degrees , the temperature of which reaches +70 degrees). Proteins and mucus precipitate, and the main part is separated. Density - 915-918 kg / m 3 .
3. Frozen.
It is obtained by removing from the sunflower oil wax-like components of natural origin, which give the raw product a cloudy tint. If the product is “frozen,” then it is indicated in its name. It is used for cooking fried foods or for stewing, because this type of oil has no smell that can be transmitted to food. Ideal for deep fryers. It produces culinary fats, margarine, and is used in the production of canned products, in the manufacture of soaps and paints. The density of sunflower oil (kg / m3 - units of this indicator) is 901-905.
Refined and unrefined oils
1. Unrefined.
It is cleaned mechanically. There are three varieties: top, first, second. Such a product is suitable for cooking salads, main dishes or dough. The answer to the question of what is the density of unrefined sunflower oil is: 914-918 kg / m 3 .
2. Refined.
This type of oil is transparent with a weak color, because it is thoroughly cleaned of impurities (treated with alkali, extracted free fatty acids, bleached, etc.). Density - 916-919 kg / m 3 .
3. Refined deodorized.
They are extracted under the influence of water vapor in a vacuum, completely destroying the aromatic component of the product. There are a couple of types: “P” and “D”. It is used to make products for babies or diet products. Types differ only in that the physicochemical and acid values are different. Type "D" is softer and harmless. The density of sunflower oil (g / cm3) is 0.904-0.909.
Pick a product for your own needs and goals. The density of sunflower oil does not affect its quality very much. This indicator mainly affects the viscosity and fat content of the product.
How to store oil at home
Such products, as you know, have three main malicious enemies: oxygen, storage in warm conditions and light. From this we can make a logical conclusion. In order not to rid the substance of useful trace elements and not to lower the density of sunflower oil, you need to hide it from light rays, put in a cool place and store in a sealed container. The temperature for storing the product is approximately + 7-21 degrees. Make sure that the currently unused product has no contact with metals or water.
Unrefined oil is stored for about four months from the date of its production, and refined oil - six. Experienced housewives, in order to preserve the product longer, add a pinch of salt and a handful of washed and dried beans to it directly into the container.
How to handle sunflower oils
- Do not leave the product in a pan, on the stove without supervision. It can become very hot and self-igniting. If this happens, cover the dishes with a thick, damp cloth, but do not pour water.
- Do not fry foods in superheated oil, because it will shoot and spoil the smell and taste of food.
- Do not pour the product into hot dishes, because its temperature can be very high, and the contents can ignite with fire, which will cause a fire. This is especially true for substances with high density.
- Do not store oil under light lighting, which provokes the development of oxidative reactions that destroy all useful trace elements in the product. By the way, unrefined substances quickly lose their color and burn out. These processes, fortunately, in no way affect the quality of the oil.
- You cannot reuse the product. Oil when reused does not provide food with any beneficial substances, because they burned out during initial use. If you do not follow this rule of use, then toxic compounds of a mutagenic and carcinogenic nature that are formed in the substance will enter the stomach.
- You can’t use an expired product in food, because there is a high risk of digestive disorders.
How to cook before frying
- Raw potatoes must be washed very thoroughly under running water before cooking to rid their surface of starch. If this is not done, then during frying it will become sticky (the pieces will stick together or stick to the bottom of the pan). You can also dry the potatoes with paper towels, this procedure will accelerate the appearance of a golden crust and everything will be cooked evenly.
- Before frying, the meat also needs to be dried by wrapping it with a napkin, etc. The problem is the same: the water remaining in the product gets into the oil, and from this it smokes and starts to shoot.
- If the cooking ingredient is presented in the form of minced meat, then the liquid that was added to it (cream, milk, etc.) should not exceed 10% of the main content. This is because it will leak from the dishes during frying and accumulate in the form of clots, provoking “shots”.
Vitamin component
All oils are a pantry of vegetable fats. They contain a sufficient number of kilocalories, preventing the body from falling into an inoperative state, fatigue. The energy reserve is replenished when eating sunflower oil of any kind or type with food. This is especially true in the cold periods of the year and with illness. Sunflower oil does not give a head start on the content of kilocalories to animal fats, because it has an energy value of 900 per 100 grams, and butter - only 738 per 100 grams. The product is assimilated by almost 100%. It is an excellent example of a set of biologically active trace elements.
Most people adhere to the principles of proper nutrition, maintain balanced good physical health, both their own and those close to them. It must be remembered that with the use of sunflower oil the offspring will be healthy, the nervous system will be perfectly formed, and the bone tissue will be strong. Cardiovascular disease is also prevented.