Refined, Bleached, Deodorized (RBD) coconut oil is a type of coconut oil that has gone through a process of purification, bleaching, and deodorization. This process is carried out to produce coconut oil that is more stable, has a clear color, and is free from the aroma or taste of coconut.
Here is a more detailed explanation of each stage of the RBD coconut oil process:
Refining: The refining phase aims to remove contaminants, impurities, and unwanted ingredients from crude coconut oil. Purification can involve filtration, centrifugation, or the use of chemicals to remove unwanted particles.
Bleaching: The bleaching process aims to remove the yellow or brown color from crude coconut oil. This is done by using bleaching agents, such as activated charcoal, which can absorb the pigments that give coconut oil its color.
Deodorizing: The deodorizing stage is done to remove the strong coconut aroma or flavor from raw coconut oil. This process involves heating coconut oil to high temperatures and using water vapor to remove volatile compounds that give coconut its aroma or flavor.
The end result of the RBD coconut oil process is coconut oil that is clear, colorless, and free from strong coconut aromas or flavors. RBD coconut oil has a higher melting point compared to crude coconut oil, making it more stable and resistant to oxidation. Therefore, RBD coconut oil is often used in the food and cosmetic industry, as well as in the manufacture of products that require oils with more neutral characteristics.
