In the processing of edible oils, the oil is heated under vacuum to near the smoke point or to about 232 °C (450 °F), and water is introduced at the bottom of the oil. The water immediately is converted to steam, which bubbles through the oil, carrying with it any chemicals which are water-soluble.
How important is agro-food processing in Bangladesh?
The agro-food processing industry now contributes about 1.7 per cent to GDP and employs about 250,000 people. Its share of total exports now stands at around 3.5 per cent. Bangladesh¡¯s domestic agro-processed product market stood at USD 2.8 billion in 2019.
How is vegetable oil processed?
The processing of vegetable oil in commercial applications is commonly done by chemical extraction, using solvent extracts, which produces higher yields and is quicker and less expensive. The most common solvent is petroleum-derived hexane. This technique is used for most of the "newer" industrial oils such as soybean and corn oils.
Is Bangladesh a good place to export agricultural products?
The agricultural exports from Bangladesh have been growing at a CAGR of 18% for the last five years, in particular the exports of processed snacks. The global demand for agricultural product is also expected to grow by 15% between 2019-2028 which provides a great opportunity to the Bangladesh processed food industry to expand its exports.