What is lampante oil?

Lampante oil is a term used to describe a specific type of olive oil that is not suitable for human consumption in its natural state. In this article we tell you all about this type of oil. Read on!

Meaning of lampante oil

The term lampante comes from the historical use of this oil in oil lamps, particularly before the advent of electricity.

Its ability to burn efficiently made it ideal for providing lighting in homes and public spaces. However, today, the meaning of lampante oil is more associated with its categorization within the olive oil market and the types of oil that exist.

This oil is generally obtained from olives that do not meet the quality standards required to produce virgin oil or extra virgin olive oil. extra virgin olive oil. Factors such as damaged fruit, late harvesting or poor extraction processes contribute to its classification as lampante.

In technical terms, lampante oil has an acidity index of more than 2%, which differentiates it from edible oils.

What is lampante oil used for?

Although lamp oil is not suitable for direct consumption, it plays a key role in several industries and processes:

Industrial refining

The main destination of lampante oil is refining. During this process, the oil goes through various stages, such as deodorization, decolorization and neutralization, to eliminate impurities and improve its quality. The result is a refined oil that can be blended with virgin olive oils to produce a product suitable for consumption.

2. Use in cosmetics

The cosmetics industry uses refined lamp oil as a base for products such as soaps, creams and lotions. Its ability to moisturize and nourish the skin makes it a valuable ingredient, especially after processing.

3. Industrial applications

Lamp oil is also used in the manufacture of biofuels, lubricants and other industrial products. Its versatility and low cost compared to edible oils make it an attractive option for these purposes.

Can lampante oil be consumed?

The short answer is no, at least not in its natural state. Lampante oil contains high levels of compounds that can be harmful to health if consumed unprocessed. These substances include free fatty acids and peroxides, which affect both the taste and safety of the product.

However, once refined, lampante oil loses these negative characteristics and can be blended with other oils to produce refined olive oil suitable for human consumption. This transformation process is key to maximizing resource utilization and reducing waste in the industry.

Aspects to consider regarding consumption

1. Legal regulations: The sale of lamp oil for direct consumption is strictly regulated and prohibited in most countries.
2. Refining processes: Only proper refining can ensure that the oil is safe and meets the quality standards required for human consumption.
3. Quality alternatives: For those seeking high quality olive oils, virgin and extra virgin options offer better organoleptic properties and health benefits.

Undoubtedly, lamp oil is a product with a long history and diverse applications today. Although it is not fit for human consumption in its original state, its role in the production of refined oils and its use in industries such as cosmetics and the manufacture of biofuels underline its importance in the global market.

In LA Almazara we are producers of EVOO of the highest quality, which you can buy in our online olive oil store . Our passion for quality drives us to offer exceptional products that reflect the effort and love for this practice, which you can find in our online olive oil store.