Refining is a crucial link in the production of edible oil. The main purpose of refining is to remove impurities from oil and improve the quality and stability of oil. Degumming is an indispensable step in the refining process. So what are the functions of degumming?

What is degumming?
Degumming refers to the removal of colloidal substances contained in oil by physical or chemical methods during the refining process of edible oil. Colloidal substances usually refer to phospholipids, protein and other polar substances dissolved or suspended in oils and fats. These substances will affect the appearance, taste and storage stability of oils and fats, so they need to be removed by degumming.

Function of degumming:

1. Improve the transparency of oil.
   Degumming can effectively remove colloidal substances from oil and make edible oil clearer and more transparent. This not only improves the appearance quality of oil, but also makes it more attractive in the market.
2. Improve the stability of oil.
   Colloidal substances will accelerate the oxidation reaction of oils and fats, leading to deterioration of oils and fats. Degumming can reduce these substances, thus improving the antioxidant capacity of oils and fats, prolonging the shelf life and ensuring that consumers can obtain fresh and safe edible oil.
3. Enhance the flavor of oil.
   Some colloidal substances may have a negative impact on the taste of oil, and these substances can be removed by degumming, which makes the flavor of edible oil more pure and meets the taste needs of consumers.
4. Reduce the burden of subsequent refining steps.
   Degumming is not only a separate step, but also lays the foundation for the subsequent refining process (such as deacidification, decoloration and deodorization). After removing the colloidal substance, the subsequent steps can be carried out more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and production cost.
5. Improve the market competitiveness of products.
   After degumming, the quality of edible oil has been significantly improved, which can meet the higher market demand. Therefore, this kind of products are more competitive in the market, which is helpful for enterprises to enhance their brand image and market share.

Degumming plays an important role in edible oil refining, which not only improves the quality and stability of oil, but also provides a good foundation for the subsequent refining process. With the continuous improvement of consumers’ requirements for edible oil quality, degumming technology is also developing and improving. In the future, with the progress of science and technology, we are expected to see more efficient and environmentally friendly degumming methods, which will inject new vitality into the development of edible oil industry.
In a word, degumming is not only a step in the process of edible oil refining, but also an important link to improve product quality and meet market demand. For consumers, understanding this process is helpful to better choose healthy and safe edible oil.