TALE of the TEL : Episode 1 - History of Oils

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces a series on oils, focusing on their history, types, uses, and benefits. Starting with the ancient practice of oil extraction from seeds, the speaker delves into how oils have been a significant part of culture and nutrition for thousands of years, particularly in India. The video covers various oils like mustard, coconut, sesame, and peanut, their extraction methods, and their historical significance. It also explores the evolution of oil production techniques, from traditional cold pressing to modern solvent extraction. The speaker touches on the role of oils in Ayurveda, nutrition, and their impact on health, with a promise of deeper insights in upcoming episodes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oils have been a crucial part of human culture and daily life for over 4,000 years, used for various purposes such as painting, massages, medicine, and cooking.
• 😀 India has a rich history of oil usage, with over 15 different oils used across the country, extracted from seeds like peanuts, sesame, and mustard.
• 😀 Traditional oil extraction methods involved cold pressing, where seeds were manually or animal-powered crushed to extract oil.
• 😀 The leftover solid material after oil extraction, known as 'oil cake,' was repurposed as animal feed and fertilizers, benefiting both nutrition and soil health.
• 😀 The introduction of solvent extraction in the 19th century revolutionized oil production, enabling oils to be extracted from a wider range of seeds, such as soybeans and rice bran.
• 😀 Solvent extraction helped increase oil yield significantly, making oils more affordable and accessible, especially for growing populations.
• 😀 Hydrogenation processes turned oils into semi-solid forms, leading to the production of Vanaspati, a popular hydrogenated vegetable oil, also known as 'vegetable ghee.'
• 😀 The speaker highlights the shift from traditional ghee made from cow’s milk to industrially produced Vanaspati in the 20th century, which changed the way oils were consumed in India.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the extraction methods and the differences between traditional and modern oils, as they have a significant impact on health.
• 😀 Future episodes will explore the health effects of various oils, focusing on their benefits, risks, and their role in our diets.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video series discussed in the script?

The video series focuses on the history, benefits, and various uses of oils, including the different types of oils, their fatty acid composition, and how they can be utilized in daily life.

Why is oil considered an integral part of human culture and history?

Oil has been used for over 4,000 years in various forms, including for cooking, painting, massage, medicine, and lighting, making it a vital part of human culture and daily life.

How was oil traditionally extracted in the past?

In the past, oil was extracted by pressing oil seeds like peanuts, sesame, and coconuts. This method involved either cold pressing or using a stone or wooden crusher (kolhu) to extract oil from seeds.

What role does oil cake play after the oil is extracted?

The oil cake, a solid waste left after oil extraction, was traditionally used as animal feed due to its nutritional content. It was rich in fiber and protein, providing good nutrition to livestock.

How did the process of oil extraction change in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, a new method called solvent extraction was introduced. This process used chemicals to extract more oil from the oil cake, making it possible to increase oil production.

What is solvent extraction and why was it introduced?

Solvent extraction involves using chemical solvents to extract oil from the oil cake. This method was introduced to increase oil yield and meet the growing demand for edible oils due to the increasing population.

When did solvent extraction start being used in India?

Solvent extraction began to be used in India around 1940 and gradually spread across the country, replacing traditional methods.

What is the difference between cold-pressed and refined oils?

Cold-pressed oils are extracted using mechanical methods without heat, preserving their nutrients. Refined oils, on the other hand, are extracted using chemical solvents and are further processed to remove impurities, making them less nutritious.

How did the process of hydrogenation impact the use of oils?

Hydrogenation, a process where oils are converted into a semi-solid form, led to the creation of vegetable ghee. This process was used to produce cheaper and more stable oils for mass consumption.

What is the significance of rice bran oil in the context of this video?

Rice bran oil is extracted from the powder of rice husk, which contains about 14% oil. This oil is produced using solvent extraction and is now commonly used in cooking due to its health benefits and availability.