Interesterification consists in modifying the physical properties of the oil by an interchange of fatty acids between and inside the different triglycerides, by mean of a catalyst operating at about 100°C and under vacuum.
The purpose of the interesterification process is to:
- change the overall melting profile,
- improve the compatibility of the triglycerides in the solid state,
- improve the plasticity of the resulting solid by changing the crystallisation properties,
- combine the properties of mixed oils and fats.
Interesterified oils are used mainly in coating fats, margarine, sweets, shortening, pastry and speciality fats.
Desmet is able to provide you with both chemical and enzymatic interesterification processes.
