{"id":16805,"date":"2023-04-11T09:28:54","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T09:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spanishboosting.com\/?p=16805"},"modified":"2023-08-02T16:31:32","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T16:31:32","slug":"olive-oil-and-sunflower-oil-types-production-and-environmental-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spanishboosting.com\/en\/olive-oil-and-sunflower-oil-types-production-and-environmental-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"Olive oil and sunflower oil: types, production, and environmental impact"},"content":{"rendered":"

What are the differences between organic oils and conventional oils when it comes to human health and the environment? What are the specific features of olive, pomace, EVO and sunflower oil? What kind of information about oils are consumers most interested in? If you\u2019d like to read the answers to these questions, stick around and we\u2019ll clear up all your doubts. We\u2019ll also update you on the latest key studies on olive oil \u2013 both extra-virgin and conventional \u2013 and sunflower oil.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Aside from their price, organic and non-organic oils may seem similar at first glance. But the truth is there are big differences between them in terms of production processes, including fertilization and pesticide use, which affect the quality of the final product as well as its impact on the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main differences between organic and conventional oils<\/span><\/h2>\n

Now, let\u2019s look at the main features of both organic and conventional \u2013 also known as traditional \u2013 oils, and the differences between them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Production<\/span><\/h3>\n

Organic oils are produced without the use of synthetic chemical products like pesticides and fertilizers. This also applies to the field where the crops are grown, meaning that organic producers must not have used chemical products for at least 3 years before the crops are planted. <\/span><\/p>\n

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But that\u2019s just the first of the requirements to which sustainable organic producers must comply. For organic olive oil production, the olive trees must be well separated, and should have no plants around them which could steal nutrients and water from the olive tree itself. Traditional production tries to prevent the growth of invasive plants by using herbicides which can harm the environment and the health of workers and consumers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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If a producer\u2019s goal is to achieve 100% sustainable soil in olive groves, vegetation cover is usually used to prevent soil erosion and improve fertilization. To prevent the growth of weeds, one of the most common strategies is to use chopped tree prunings, which help improve the olive tree\u2019s capacity to absorb water.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fertilization and pest control<\/span><\/h3>\n

To get a great product the soil must be of optimal quality. And, for organic oils, fertilizers should be natural. These include manure, composted production wastes, and other fertilizers that comply with current legislation. In conventional cultivation, chemical fertilizers are generally used. These include potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, and a range of other chemicals.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Organic companies cannot use conventional pesticides and fungicides \u2013 also known as synthetic chemicals \u2013 to fight pests and disease, as these are prohibited in organic farming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Processing<\/span><\/h3>\n

Organic oils are processed in a gentler, more natural way, using mechanical or thermal methods, avoiding the use of chemical products and techniques like refining or blending. Only cleaning products that have been judged suitable by the Organic Agriculture Committee may be used, and their components must be of biological origin. If a company carries out organic and conventional production, the processes of each must be kept separate.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Non-organic oils are often processed with synthetic chemicals that can affect the quality of the oil and increase the amount of toxic waste produced during the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nutritional quality<\/span><\/h3>\n

Organic oils usually have a higher nutritional quality than non-organic ones. Because production and processing are carried out without the use of chemical products, organic oils preserve more beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. In addition, organic oils tend to have a more intense and authentic flavour.<\/span><\/p>\n

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One study, published in the magazine <\/span>Food Chemistry<\/span><\/i> in 2014, compared the nutritional profile of organic and non-organic virgin olive oils and found that organic oils had a higher number of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and monosaturated fatty acids, all of which are beneficial for heart health.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Another study, published in the journal <\/span>PLoS ONE<\/span><\/i> in 2013, compared the nutritional quality and presence of contaminants in organic and non-organic sunflower oils. The researchers found that organic oils contained fewer contaminants, like pesticides and heavy metals, and had a higher concentration of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Environmental impact<\/span><\/h3>\n

The production of non-organic oils often has a negative effect on the environment. Chemicals used during production can contaminate soil and water, which can impact local flora and fauna. Furthermore, the production of non-organic oils often involves the use of large amounts of energy and fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There are many scientific studies that suggest that the production of organic olive oil and organic sunflower oil has less of an environmental impact than that of conventional oils. One such study, published in the journal <\/span>Environmental Science and Pollution Research<\/span><\/i> in 2018, analysed the environmental impact of organic and conventional oil production in Spain. Researchers found that organic olive oil production has lower environmental impacts in terms of water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption, when compared to conventional production.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Another study, published in the magazine <\/span>Science of the Total Environment<\/span><\/i> in 2019, analysed the different environmental impacts of organic and conventional sunflower oil production in Bulgaria. Researchers found that organic sunflower oil production has a lower environmental impact in terms of water use and greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced environmental toxicity thanks to the absence of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. <\/span><\/p>\n

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However, it is important to note that each case may vary depending on the production location and the specific methods used to produce the oil.<\/span><\/p>\n

Information for the consumer about organic oils:<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\"Man<\/p>\n

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Growing numbers of people are committed to eating more healthily and to consuming products that respect the environment. By providing consumers with key product information, you can contribute to more responsible and conscious consumption. Below, we outline some of the key features you should highlight on your packaging or marketing materials if you produce or market organic oil: <\/span><\/p>\n

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