✅ Introduction: What is Rice Bran Oil?
Are you know that Rice bran oil has a healthy cooking oil extracted from the outer layer bran of rice grains also. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy fats, and it’s popular in many Asian countries and gaining global attention for its high smoke point and heart-friendly properties.
But how exactly is this golden oil made with? Let’s dive into the complete step-by-step rice bran oil manufacturing process here.
🌾 Step 1: Collecting Rice Bran
You will be know that rice bran has a by-product of the rice milling ok. When was the brown rice polished to the produce white rice and the outer brown layer bran has removed it only also. This bran contains with about 15–20% oil or has the raw material used to make rice bran oil.
> 🧺 The fresher the (bran), the higher the oil quality.
🧊 Step 2: Stabilizing the Bran
Fresh rice bran spoils quickly due to enzyme activity (lipase), which breaks down oil and causes rancidity.
To prevent this:
The bran is stabilized using heat or steam within a few hours of milling
This process stops enzyme activity and keeps the oil fresh
🛠️ Step 3: Oil Extraction
There were two main methods to extract oil from rice bran:
1. Solvent Extraction (Most Common)
The bran is crushed and treated with a food-grade solvent like hexane
The oil dissolves in the solvent, then it's separated and distilled
The solvent is reused, and the remaining bran is used as animal feed
2. Cold Pressing (Chemical-Free)
The bran is pressed at low temperatures
No solvents were used, so it’s considered more natural and organic
Yields are lower but nutrient levels are higher
🧪 Step 4: Degumming and Neutralization
The raw oil extracted contains impurities, gums, and also free fatty acids. These need to be removed for human consumption.
Neutralization: Removes in free fatty acids using an alkali solution
🌟 Step 5: Bleaching
The oil is filtered using natural earth or carbon materials to remove:
Color pigments
Metal traces
> 💡 This gives the oil a clearer, golden appearance.
🔥 Step 6: Deodorization
In this final refining stage:
Oil is heated under vacuum pressure to remove bad smells and tastes
The result is a mild, neutral-tasting oil perfect for all types of cooking
🧴 Step 7: Packaging
The finished oil is then:
Cooled
Passed through final quality checks
Packaged in bottles, cans, or pouches for sale
It’s now ready for cooking, baking, or frying in homes and restaurants.
💡 Benefits of Rice Bran Oil
❤️ Heart-healthy (rich in oryzanol and unsaturated fats)
🔥 High smoke point at (~450°F / 232°C) – perfect for frying
💪 Contains Vitamin E and natural antioxidants
🍳 Light taste – doesn’t overpower food flavor
🌱 Sustainability Note
Since rice bran is a by-product of rice milling, using it for oil production reduces waste and supports sustainable agriculture.
🧾 Final Thoughts
So, how is rice bran oil made?
It begins with rice milling and ends with a golden, healthy oil in your kitchen. Through careful stabilization, extraction, refining, and packaging, rice bran oil is created as both a nutritious and sustainable cooking solution.