Description:

Soybean oil is a widely used vegetable oil extracted from soybean seeds. It’s a key ingredient in cooking, processed foods, and industrial products like printing inks and oil paints. The oil is produced by cracking soybeans, adjusting their moisture, heating them, and then extracting the oil with solvents. After refining, the oil can be blended and sometimes hydrogenated for different uses. Rich in polyunsaturated fats, soybean oil contains linoleic acid (51%) and alpha-linolenic acid (7-10%), along with monounsaturated oleic acid (23%) and small amounts of saturated fats like palmitic and stearic acids. Its high polyunsaturated content makes it prone to oxidation, which can affect its stability in cooking. Globally, soybean oil production reached 57.4 million metric tons in 2018–2019, with China, the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, and the EU as leading producers. The oil’s byproduct, soybean meal, is often used as animal feed. Versatile, cost-effective, and widely available, soybean oil is a staple in kitchens and industries around the world. Food Used for frying, cooking, baking, and as a salad dressing. Drying Oils Forms a flexible, waterproof solid, used in printing inks and oil paints. Medical Uses Provides calories and essential fatty acids in parenteral nutrition. Fixative for Insect Repellents Extends the duration of essential oils like geranium oil in repellent products. Trading A globally traded commodity, widely produced and consumed