What is the production process for refined sunflower oil?

Refined sunflower oil goes through a long process of purification which consists of the following stages: mechanical cleaning, hydration, neutralization, bleaching, freezing, deodorization, and nitriding. The production process includes the following steps: seed cleaning, drying, destruction of the skin of the seeds and separation from the nucleus, and grinding. There are two methods by which oil can be obtained from sunflower seeds.

Hard Pressing method: This method is conducted by exerting high pressure on the seeds to produce oil. It is considered to be the more environmentally-friendly way, although the yield of the oil is smaller at approximately 25%.

Extraction method: The production of sunflower oil by this method involves the use of organic solvents and is carried out via special apparatuses known as extractors. The extraction method for oil extraction is more economical, as this method allows the extraction of oil from raw materials up to 99%.