The information provided for these products is for educational purposes only.
It does not constitute medical or professional advice and is not intended for diagnosis, treatment, prevention or cure of diseases.
Oil Grades
100% Pure:
Must meet USP criteria for consumption and pharmaceutical applications and is unadulterated (100% pure) with no other oils blended in.
Food Grade:
Must meet USP criteria for consumption and pharmaceutical applications, but can be a blend of more than one type of oil.
Cosmetic Grade:
Must meet USP criteria for consumption and pharmaceutical applications and is almost always a blend of more than one oil, but will have the same properties and SAP value of the oil it is being identified as.
Technical Grade:
Does not meet USP requirements for consumption or pharmaceutical applications.
USP: The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is an official public standards–setting authority for all prescription and over–the–counter medicines and other health care products manufactured or sold in the United States. USP also sets widely recognized standards for food ingredients and dietary supplements. USP sets standards for the quality, purity, strength, and consistency of these products–critical to the public health. USP's standards are recognized and used in more than 130 countries around the globe. These standards have helped to ensure public health throughout the world for close to 200 years.
USP is a non-governmental, not-for-profit public health organization whose independent, volunteer experts work under strict conflict–of–interest rules to set its scientific standards. USP's contributions to public health are enriched by the participation and oversight of volunteers representing pharmacy, medicine, and other health care professions as well as academia, government, the pharmaceutical and food industries, health plans, and consumer organizations.
Refined Oils
Naturally refined oils are more thoroughly filtered and strained than unrefined, usually with some additional heat, but without harsh or damaging chemicals. Refining reduces the nutrient level and flavor. It also removes particles and resins and makes naturally refined oils more stable for longer storage, more resistant to smoking, and a good choice for high-heat.
Unrefined Olis
Unrefined oils are filtered only lightly to remove large particles. Some, such as sesame or olive oil, may appear cloudy or have visible sediment after sitting. This does not compromise quality. Unrefined oils are “whole” oils and their flavor, color and fragrance are more pronounced than in refined oils. Like unrefined whole grain flours, unrefined oils are more nutritious and have a shorter storage life than refined. Unrefined oils are best used unheated or in low heat. Their natural resins and other beneficial particles burn easily and develop unpleasant flavors and unhealthful properties if overheated.