C 9.1 Vegetable oils Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are vegetable oils?
Oils extracted from plants, typically from seeds, nuts, or fruits.
How are vegetable oils extracted from plant seeds and nuts?
By crushing or pressing them, then removing water and impurities.
How are oils extracted from soft fruits like olives?
By crushing or pressing the whole fruit.
What can be done to purify extracted oils?
They can be refined and sometimes distilled.
Why are vegetable oils used in cooking?
They have high energy content, transfer heat effectively, and enhance the flavor and texture of food.
What are the nutritional properties of vegetable oils?
They are energy-rich and often contain essential fatty acids; some are unsaturated, which are considered healthier.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated vegetable oils?
Unsaturated oils have one or more carbon–carbon double bonds; saturated oils do not.
How can you test whether a vegetable oil is unsaturated?
Add bromine water; it will turn from orange to colorless if unsaturated bonds are present.
What are hydrogenated vegetable oils?
Oils that have been reacted with hydrogen to make them more saturated and solid at room temperature.
Why are hydrogenated oils used in food products?
To improve texture, shelf life, and spreadability (e.g., in margarine).
