What Is Hexane and Why Is It Used in Oil Extraction?

Groundnuts naturally contain a significant amount of oil. In large-scale commercial production, manufacturers may use different extraction methods to recover oil from the seeds.

One method is solvent extraction, where a food-grade solvent such as hexane is used to extract oil from groundnut material. The extracted oil is then subjected to further refining processes.

Depending on the product and manufacturer, refining can involve processes such as filtration, bleaching and deodorisation.

The purpose of these processes is to produce an oil that is clear, consistent and neutral in flavour.

However, consumers who prefer a more traditional approach often look for oils that are mechanically extracted without solvent extraction.

This is where cold-pressed groundnut oil stands apart.

Is TREFO Groundnut Oil Hexane-Free?

TREFO Groundnut Oil is cold-pressed using a traditional mechanical extraction process without chemical solvent extraction.

TREFO uses a traditional Marachekku/Kachi Ghani wood cold-pressing method, with quality groundnuts sourced locally in Zambia.

Instead of relying on chemical solvent extraction, the groundnuts are mechanically pressed to extract their natural oil.

This traditional approach allows TREFO to offer groundnut oil with its naturally characteristic colour, aroma and mild nutty flavour.

No hexane extraction. No refining. No bleaching. No deodorisation.

Just groundnuts mechanically pressed to produce naturally flavourful cooking oil.

How Is TREFO Groundnut Oil Made?

The quality of cooking oil begins with the quality of the seeds and the way they are processed.

At TREFO, the process focuses on keeping things simple and natural.

1. Quality Groundnuts Are Selected

Good oil starts with good-quality groundnuts. TREFO uses carefully selected groundnuts sourced locally in Zambia.

2. The Groundnuts Are Prepared for Pressing

The selected groundnuts are cleaned and prepared before entering the traditional pressing process.

3. Groundnuts Are Cold-Pressed

The groundnuts are mechanically pressed using a traditional Marachekku/Kachi Ghani wood cold-pressing machine imported from India.

The slow mechanical pressing process extracts the natural oil without using hexane as an extraction solvent.

4. The Oil Is Filtered

After pressing, the oil is filtered to remove unwanted solid particles while retaining the natural characteristics of the oil.

5. The Oil Is Packed

The finished TREFO Groundnut Oil is carefully packed and made ready for your kitchen.

The result is a groundnut oil that stays close to its natural source.

How Can You Tell If Groundnut Oil Is Hexane-Free?

When buying groundnut oil, don’t look only at the words “100% pure.”

Instead, look at the extraction method.

Look for Terms Such as:

• Cold-pressed
• Wood-pressed
• Kachi Ghani
• Marachekku
• Mechanically extracted
• Expeller-pressed

These terms generally indicate that the oil is obtained through mechanical pressing rather than solvent extraction.

For greater confidence, choose brands that clearly explain how their oil is produced.

Does “100% Pure Groundnut Oil” Mean It Is Hexane-Free?

Not necessarily.

This is an important distinction for buyers.

The term “100% pure groundnut oil” generally describes what is inside the bottle—it indicates that the oil is groundnut oil rather than a blend of different edible oils.

It does not, by itself, tell you how the oil was extracted.

That’s why it’s worth checking the extraction method as well.

With TREFO Groundnut Oil, the extraction method is clear:

Cold-pressed. Mechanically extracted. No chemical solvent extraction.

What Makes Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil Different?

Cold-pressed groundnut oil is produced using mechanical pressing rather than solvent-based extraction.

This traditional method helps preserve the oil’s natural characteristics.

Naturally Nutty Aroma

Groundnut oil naturally has a mild, pleasant nutty aroma.

Because TREFO Groundnut Oil is not deodorised like many highly refined oils, you can experience the characteristic aroma of groundnuts.

Naturally Rich in Vitamin E

Groundnut oil naturally contains vitamin E, which contributes to its nutritional profile.

Cold pressing also involves fewer intensive refining steps, allowing the oil to retain more of its naturally occurring characteristics.

Authentic Groundnut Flavour

A good groundnut oil should taste like groundnuts.

TREFO Groundnut Oil has a naturally mild and nutty flavour that works beautifully in everyday cooking without overpowering your food.

Traditional Extraction Method

TREFO brings a traditional Indian oil-pressing method to Zambia through its Marachekku/Kachi Ghani wood cold-pressing process.

It’s an approach that focuses on mechanical extraction and minimal processing.

Is TREFO Groundnut Oil Suitable for Everyday Cooking?

Yes.

Groundnut oil is versatile enough for a wide range of everyday cooking methods.

You can use TREFO Groundnut Oil for:

• Everyday cooking
• Sautéing
• Stir-frying
• Tempering and tadka
• Shallow frying
• Traditional Indian recipes
• Curries and gravies

Its mild flavour makes it easy to incorporate into both traditional and modern recipes.

Why Choose TREFO Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil?

Choosing cooking oil is not simply about picking the cheapest bottle on the shelf.

It’s also about knowing where the oil comes from, what goes into its production and how it reaches your kitchen.

TREFO Groundnut Oil is made for consumers who appreciate:

100% Groundnut Oil
Pure groundnut oil without blending with other edible oils.

Cold-Pressed Extraction
Mechanically extracted using traditional wood pressing.

No Hexane Extraction
The oil is extracted without using hexane as a chemical solvent.

No Refining
The oil is not subjected to conventional refining processes.

No Bleaching or Deodorisation
The natural characteristics of the groundnut oil are allowed to remain.

Locally Sourced Groundnuts
Quality groundnuts are sourced locally in Zambia.

Traditional Marachekku Method
A traditional Indian wood cold-pressing technique used to extract the oil mechanically.

How Should You Store Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil?

Cold-pressed oils are minimally processed, so proper storage is important to help maintain their freshness and quality.

For best results:

• Keep the bottle tightly closed after use.
• Store it in a cool, dry place.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing it next to your stove or another heat source.
• Follow the recommended use-by period on the package.

Good storage helps maintain the oil’s natural flavour and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all groundnut oil hexane-free?

No. Groundnut oil can be produced using different extraction methods. Some oils may involve solvent extraction, while cold-pressed and mechanically pressed oils are produced through mechanical extraction.

Always check the manufacturer’s stated extraction method.

Is TREFO Groundnut Oil hexane-free?

Yes. TREFO Groundnut Oil is mechanically cold-pressed using the traditional Marachekku/Kachi Ghani wood pressing method, without chemical solvent extraction.

Does 100% pure groundnut oil mean it is hexane-free?

Not necessarily. “100% pure” refers to the oil being made from groundnuts rather than being blended with other edible oils. It does not necessarily describe the extraction process.

Check whether the product clearly states its extraction method.

What is the difference between refined and cold-pressed groundnut oil?

Refined groundnut oil undergoes more intensive processing and may involve solvent extraction followed by refining processes. Cold-pressed groundnut oil is mechanically extracted with fewer processing steps, helping retain its natural characteristics.

Why does cold-pressed groundnut oil have a stronger aroma?

The natural aroma comes from the groundnuts themselves. Since cold-pressed oil is not deodorised in the same way as highly refined oils, its natural nutty aroma can be more noticeable.

Can I use TREFO Groundnut Oil for frying?

TREFO Groundnut Oil can be used for everyday cooking, sautéing, tempering and shallow frying. As with any cooking oil, avoid overheating it beyond its suitable cooking temperature.

Final Thoughts

When buying groundnut oil, don’t judge the bottle only by the words “100% pure.”

Look deeper.

Ask how was the oil extracted?
Was it mechanically pressed?
Was solvent extraction used?
Has the oil been refined, bleached or deodorised?

For consumers who prefer a traditionally extracted cooking oil, TREFO Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil offers a simple and transparent choice.

Made from quality groundnuts sourced in Zambia and mechanically pressed using the traditional Marachekku/Kachi Ghani wood cold-pressing method, TREFO Groundnut Oil is made without hexane extraction, refining, bleaching or deodorisation.

From the groundnut to your kitchen, choose oil made the traditional way.

Choose purity. Choose tradition. Choose TREFO.