Remember, Cold-Pressed is Best!

The cold-pressing truths

With our premium Hillfarm oils, we never cut corners. We ensure every batch of our delicious oil is meticulously cold-pressed before bottling. So what exactly does this mean? We're breaking down what is cold-pressing, the pressing process, and why exactly cold-pressed is best.

So what does cold pressing mean?

Cold-pressing refers to the oil extraction process, and although the word cold may have you shivering, it actually means that the temperature never exceeds 27°C during the process. By extracting the oil without chemicals or high temperatures, this gentle method preserves the seed's natural nutrients and ensures a fresh, subtle flavour in your oil.

Why is this important?

Cold-pressing keeps your oil packed with goodness and flavour compared to other methods. Many generic vegetable oils may use extraction methods involving heat and chemicals, as this can yield larger batches, however, it significantly reduces the oils quality. These harsh extraction methods can break down the natural flavours and nutrients in the rapeseed, leaving the oil paler, less fragrant, and with a lot less to offer. 

Are there health benefits?

Yes! Cold-pressing is not only kinder to the seeds, but kinder to your body. Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is naturally high in vitamin E and rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9, which are essential fatty acids beneficial for heart health. It also contains plant sterols thought to help lower cholesterol and has less than half the saturated fat of olive oil (as well as ten times more omega-3 fatty acids), making it a heart-healthy option. Cold-pressed truly is best.

How do I know if my oil is cold-pressed?

We always include 'cold-pressed' clearly on the front of all of our bottles, so you can instantly know what you're getting. Any oil that is cold-pressed should clearly state this, although you may also see phrases like 'cold-extracted' or 'pressed at low temperatures'. Other signs of cold-pressed oil may be a darker bottle; we package our oil in dark glass bottles as exposure to sunlight or artificial light can trigger oxidation, degrading the oil’s nutrients and flavour over time. By using dark glass, we’re shielding the oil from harmful UV rays and preserving all those delicious nutrients we mentioned earlier. You may also notice a darker colour to the oil, a more fragrant aroma, and a stickier feel due to the natural fatty acids. Chemically processed rapeseed oils are a lot paler and thinner due to the lack of nutrients, whereas cold-pressed rapeseed oils retain a lovely thick, golden colour. Additionally, cold-pressed oils may be higher in price than chemically processed oils, as the cold-pressing process can be more costly due to the high standards and levels of care. However, UK standards ensure oil labelled as cold-pressed must adhere to quality standards, so always look to the label to know what you're getting.

If you want to experience the cold-pressed best, explore our full range of award-winning rapeseed oils here and taste the difference for yourself. With Hillfarm, you're getting health, flavour, and honesty in every drop - no gimmicks, no myths, just the real deal.