Edible oil-refining composition and edible oil-refining package containing the edible oil-refining composition

Abstract

To provide a composition for refining edible oil, which is brought into contact with edible oil to refine the edible oil.SOLUTION: The edible oil refining composition for refining the edible oil by bringing the composition into contact with the edible oil comprises at least the following substance (1) and the following substance (2), the edible oil refining packaging bag containing the composition, and the edible oil refining apparatus having the composition so as to be brought into contact with the edible oil. (1) A charcoal obtained by carbonizing a conifer, a hardwood, bamboo, rice hull, or coconut shell at a temperature higher than 600 degrees Celsius and not subjected to "activation treatment in activated carbon production", (2) (2-1) a synthetic preparation, (2-2) a metal oxide, (2-3) a silicate, (2-4) a porous body, or (2-5) dietary fiber SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for refining edible oil, a sachet for refining edible oil containing the composition for refining edible oil, an apparatus for refining edible oil having the composition for refining edible oil, and a method for refining edible oil using them. [Background technology]

[0002] As cooking oils become used repeatedly or become stale, the food cooked with them becomes unpalatable. Therefore, methods for refining such cooking oils have been proposed. For example, it is known to refine edible oils using adsorbents such as activated clay, zeolite, magnesia (magnesium oxide), and silica (silicon dioxide), as well as substances such as activated carbon and sodium aluminate.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a purification method that uses an adsorbent consisting of a mixture of silica-magnesium-based preparation and diatomaceous earth, allowing edible oil to be used for a long period of time while maintaining its good condition.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a method for refining waste cooking oil by treating the oil with an aluminate, which is said to adjust the color of the oil without changing the iodine value of the oil (without cleaving the double bonds of the oil molecules).

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes that a silica-magnesia-based preparation containing a specific ratio of silica and magnesia components is effective in regenerating edible oil that has deteriorated and become discolored due to repeated use.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 describes a method for preventing deterioration in flavor of edible oils and fats, which includes a step of adding magnesium oxide and / or aluminum oxide in addition to activated clay and / or silicon dioxide to palm-based oil and fat, and bleaching the palm-based oil and fat.

[0007] Patent Document 5 describes a method for producing oils and fats, not a method for producing used cooking oil, and describes a method for producing refined oils and fats that involves an adsorption process in which oils and fats with an acid value of 0.2 or less are brought into contact with a silica-magnesia-based preparation at a temperature below 80°C.

[0008] However, the above-mentioned "method for refining edible oil" does not provide sufficient performance for the refined edible oil, and there are problems such as, for example, tempura or fries fried using the refined edible oil remaining unpalatable, or dishes containing the refined edible oil having an unpleasant taste.

[0009] On the other hand, there is a technique that uses activated carbon to improve the unpleasant taste and color of repeatedly used cooking oil.

[0010] Patent Document 6 describes a "method for purifying edible fats and oils containing a certain amount or more of highly unsaturated fatty acids" in which fats and oils are deoxidized, then treated with phosphoric acid and activated carbon, and also describes a "method for purifying fats and oils" in which a solution of tea extract together with an emulsifier in a solvent is added prior to the treatment and the fats and oils are deodorized at a predetermined temperature.

[0011] Furthermore, Patent Document 7 describes a "method for producing edible oils and fats" which comprises contacting unrefined oil or "a treated oil obtained by subjecting the unrefined oil to degumming, deacidification, bleaching, dewaxing, or deodorization" with two or more types of activated carbon, wherein the activated carbon is selected from the group consisting of plant-derived activated carbon, coal-derived activated carbon, petroleum-derived activated carbon, and plastic-derived activated carbon, and at least two of the two or more types of activated carbon are derived from different raw materials, and one activated carbon and the other activated carbon have been subjected to a different activation treatment.

[0012] However, although treatment with activated carbon can improve the unpleasant taste and color of aged cooking oil to some extent, there is a risk that the cooking oil will lose its original flavor or become contaminated with harmful substances, making it unsuitable for consumption.

[0013] Therefore, the prior art has not provided an excellent composition for refining edible oils. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-207187 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-131548 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-006510 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-139995 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-152795 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-124439 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-227021 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned background art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a composition for refining edible oil, which is brought into contact with edible oil to refine the edible oil. The present invention also provides an edible oil refining bag containing the edible oil refining composition; an edible oil refining apparatus that brings the edible oil refining composition into contact with edible oil; an edible oil refining apparatus that mounts the edible oil refining bag so that it can come into contact with edible oil; and a method for refining edible oil using the edible oil refining bag or the edible oil refining apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] As a result of extensive research to solve the above problems, the inventors discovered that a mixed composition of (1) a specific charcoal and (2) a specific substance can purify edible oil simply by bringing the edible oil into contact with the mixed composition, and thus completed the present invention.

[0017] In particular, the present inventors have unexpectedly found that the effects of the present invention described below can be achieved by using carbon that has been carbonized under specific conditions, even without carrying out the "activation treatment in the production of activated carbon," which includes treatment that is undesirable for "food use," and have thus completed the present invention.

[0018] That is, the present invention provides a composition for refining edible oil, which is used to purify edible oil by contacting the composition with the edible oil, and which is characterized by containing at least the following substance (1) and substance (2): (1) Charcoal made from coniferous trees, broad-leaved trees, bamboo, rice husks, or coconut shells that have been carbonized at temperatures above 600°C and that has not undergone any "activation treatment in the production of activated carbon." (2) A substance that is (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), or (2-5) below. (2-1) One or more synthetic preparations selected from the group consisting of magnesia-silica preparations, magnesia-alumina preparations, and silica-alumina preparations. (2-2) One or more metal oxides selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, and silicon dioxide. (2-3) One or more silicates selected from the group consisting of calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, and aluminum silicate. (2-4) One or more porous materials selected from the group consisting of activated clay, diatomaceous earth, and zeolite (2-5) One or more dietary fibers selected from the group consisting of water-soluble dietary fibers and water-insoluble dietary fibers

[0019] The present invention also provides the composition for refining edible oil, wherein the substance (1) is charcoal obtained by carbonization at a temperature of 800°C or higher.

[0020] The present invention also provides the composition for refining edible oil, wherein the substance (1) is charcoal containing silicon (Si).

[0021] The present invention also provides the composition for refining edible oil, wherein the substance (1) is charcoal that does not contain benzopyrene.

[0022] The present invention also provides a sachet for edible oil refining, characterized in that the edible oil refining composition is enclosed in a bag made of heat-resistant fiber, such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric.

[0023] The present invention also provides an apparatus for refining edible oil, characterized in that it has the above-mentioned composition for refining edible oil so that it can come into contact with the edible oil to be refined.

[0024] The present invention also provides an apparatus for refining edible oil, characterized in that the apparatus is equipped with the edible oil refining bag described above so that it can come into contact with the edible oil to be refined.

[0025] The present invention also provides a method for refining edible oil, which comprises immersing the above-mentioned edible oil refining bag in the edible oil to be refined.

[0026] The present invention also provides a method for refining edible oil, which comprises using the above-mentioned edible oil refining apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The composition for refining edible oil of the present invention can refine old edible oil used in "cooking and cooking using edible oil for deep frying, stir frying, tempura, etc." Furthermore, even unused edible oil can be refined if it is "edible oil that requires refining." That is, used cooking oil can be suitably reused, and even if the cooking oil is unused, the odor and unpleasant taste (derived from the raw materials, etc.) specific to the cooking oil can be removed.

[0028] Therefore, the composition for refining edible oil of the present invention can be used as an edible oil for cooking dishes that use edible oil as a heat source, such as for deep-frying and tempura, and can also be used as an edible oil for cooking dishes that use edible oil as an ingredient, such as for stir-frying and fried rice.

[0029] According to the composition for refining edible oil of the present invention, it is possible to reduce or remove the odor, unpleasant taste and coloration of edible oil without using activated carbon, which requires activation treatment. In particular, the properties of old cooking oil used for deep frying, tempura, etc. can be made to approach those of unused new cooking oil, and used cooking oil can be recycled.

[0030] The composition for refining edible oil of the present invention does not use activated carbon, and therefore there is no room for contamination with "substances that are undesirable for edible use or that have not yet been considered for edible use" resulting from the "activation treatment that is essential for activated carbon," and therefore can be used safely to refine edible oil. Furthermore, even if "substance (1) charcoal" were to be mixed into treated cooking oil and the cooking oil were to be eaten, it would not be harmful to the human body.

[0031] The composition for edible oil refining of the present invention uses charcoal obtained by carbonizing coniferous trees, broad-leaved trees, bamboo, rice husks, or coconut shells at a temperature higher than 600°C (preferably at a temperature higher than 800°C), and therefore, even without activation treatment, surprisingly, it can achieve effects on edible oils that are equivalent to or superior to those of activated carbon that has been activated. These effects include deodorization, decolorization, and removal of unpleasant flavors.

[0032] The edible oil refining composition of the present invention, although not using activated carbon, can refine edible oils to the same or higher degree than activated carbon, and because it is carbonized at high temperatures, the resulting charcoal does not contain benzopyrene, a carcinogenic substance that is generally difficult to remove. The absence of benzopyrene, coupled with the absence of activation treatment, makes the composition even more suitable for use in edible oil refining.

[0033] In addition, since it does not use "activated carbon, which is generally used for activation treatment," it does not remove more than necessary even "trace amounts of nutrients that you do not want to remove" or "aromatic components that you do not want to remove" contained in cooking oil.

[0034] The edible oil refining composition of the present invention is particularly suitable for removing odors and unpleasant flavors from the edible oil if it is placed in a manner that allows it to come into suitable contact with the edible oil to be refined, for example, by placing it below (at the bottom of) the container of the device so that the edible oil can fall through it. In particular, when the edible oil refining composition of the present invention is used together with a filter medium, it kills two birds with one stone because it can filter out large debris such as fried food residue while also removing odors, unpleasant flavors, and coloring.

[0035] If the edible oil refining composition of the present invention is enclosed in a "bag made of heat-resistant fiber, woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric" to form an edible oil refining bag, the edible oil refining bag can be easily replaced and handled, and can therefore be easily incorporated into, installed in, or replaced in an "edible oil refining device." Furthermore, if the edible oil refining bag is placed under an edible oil refining device, edible oil can be filtered and refined at the same time.

[0036] Furthermore, by immersing the edible oil refining bag in the "edible oil to be refined" (dipping), the edible oil can be refined very easily. In other words, if the packet is placed in and immersed in a wok, saucepan, deep fryer, etc. that still contains the cooking oil to be refined, this provides a particularly simple method for refining cooking oil.

[0037] Furthermore, by treating hot cooking oil with the "edible oil refining device" of the present invention, or by immersing the edible oil refining bag of the present invention in hot cooking oil, the edible oil can be refined more effectively, and the effects described above can be obtained in particular.

[0038] The edible oil refining composition and edible oil refining bag of the present invention are safe for food processing applications and can easily process and recycle edible oil, eliminating the need to dispose of used edible oil early, thereby achieving significant cost reductions.

[0039] The edible oil refining composition of the present invention and the edible oil refining pouch containing it can be incorporated (installed) into equipment for refining edible oil and used in food-related manufacturing plants and factories, etc., and can also be easily and suitably used in restaurants and cafeterias such as tempura restaurants, kushiage restaurants, and employee cafeterias, as well as in ordinary households. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pouch for edible oil refining containing the composition for edible oil refining of the present invention. (a) A top view (b) A perspective view [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for refining edible oil, in which edible oil passes through a storage tray containing the edible oil refining composition of the present invention, thereby enabling the edible oil to be refined and filtered at the same time. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for refining edible oil in which the edible oil refining bag of the present invention is mounted so as to come into contact with the edible oil to be refined. (a) Overall perspective view (b) Perspective view showing an example of a bag holder for holding the edible oil refining bag of the present invention (c) Perspective view showing another example of a bag holder for holding the edible oil refining bag of the present invention [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a mode of use of an edible oil refining apparatus having a composition for refining edible oil of the present invention. [Figure 5] Schematic perspective views showing how to use an edible oil refining bag containing the edible oil refining composition of the present invention: (a) An embodiment in which the edible oil refining bag is placed and immersed in a wok in which fried foods or tempura are fried; (b) An embodiment in which the edible oil refining bag is placed and immersed in a fryer (tempura pan) in which fried foods or tempura are fried. [Figure 6] Photographs showing the degree of discoloration of edible oil before and after refining using the edible oil refining composition of the present invention. (a) Rice bran oil that has aged after frying in the example (right). (b) Rice bran oil after refining in the example (left). [Figure 7] This is a photograph of an example in which a sachet for refining edible oil of the present invention is immersed in old rice bran oil after frying and left to stand. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments below and can be modified as desired within the scope of the technical concept.

[0042] [Edible oil refining composition] The composition for refining edible oil of the present invention is used to purify edible oil by contacting the composition with the edible oil, and contains at least the substance (1) charcoal and the substance (2).

[0043] <Substance (1)> "Charcoal" refers to a substance whose main component is carbon, which can be obtained by heating and carbonizing organic matter containing carbon atoms in the absence of oxygen. The substance (1) in the present invention is "charcoal," which is made by carbonizing coniferous trees, broad-leaved trees, bamboo, rice husks, or coconut shells at a temperature higher than 600°C, without undergoing "activation treatment in the production of activated carbon." Since no eraser powder is required for its preparation, black charcoal is preferable for "Substance (1) Charcoal."

[0044] Activated carbon is activated in the final manufacturing process to enhance its adsorption properties, but the "carbon" in this invention has the same physical properties and composition (including the presence or absence of impurities) as if it were manufactured without the activation process. Since activated carbon almost always requires activation treatment, it can be said that the "carbon" in the present invention is not activated carbon.

[0045] The carbonization temperature in the present invention is important and must be 600°C or higher, preferably 700°C or higher, more preferably 750°C or higher, even more preferably 800°C or higher, and particularly preferably 850°C or higher. When carbonization is carried out at the above temperature or higher, the above-described effects of the present invention can be obtained without performing activation treatment or even if activated carbon is not used.

[0046] Furthermore, organic substances such as agricultural chemicals will not remain, and in particular, benzopyrene, which is toxic and prone to remain, can be eliminated. In the present invention, it is preferable that the essential component "substance (1) carbon" is carbonized at a relatively high temperature to be free from benzopyrene.

[0047] The charcoal of the present invention is carbonized at a high temperature and is not subjected to an activation treatment, so that it does not have any adverse effects on the human body even when it comes into contact with edible oil, or even when it is mixed with edible oil and eaten together with the edible oil.

[0048] The upper limit of the carbonization temperature is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of productivity etc., it is preferably 950°C or lower, and particularly preferably 900°C or lower.

[0049] In the present invention, the raw material for the charcoal is softwood, hardwood, bamboo, rice husk, or coconut shell, and raw materials containing a large amount of silicon (Si) are particularly preferred. Thinned wood, waste wood, scrap wood, etc. are also preferred from the viewpoint of reducing costs.

[0050] The "substance (1) charcoal" in the present invention is preferably charcoal containing silicon (Si) because of its excellent deodorizing, decolorizing, and impurity-removing properties. Therefore, the charcoal is particularly preferably obtained by carbonizing bamboo or rice husks, which contain a large amount of silicon.

[0051] The raw material may be carbonized as is to obtain charcoal, but it is preferable to first cut the raw material into chips or powder and then pelletize it, and then carbonize it, as this reduces the particle size of the charcoal and improves its "ability to remove coloration, odors, and unpleasant flavors."

[0052] The mass average particle size of the charcoal is preferably 8 μm or more and 50 μm or less, more preferably 12 μm or more and 35 μm or less, and particularly preferably 15 μm or more and 20 μm or less. Within the above range, the cooking oil can be suitably refined by removing odors and unpleasant flavors from the cooking oil; when the oil is enclosed in a bag to make a bag for refining cooking oil, the particles are less likely to escape through the mesh of the bag; and even if they do get mixed into the cooking oil, they are too small for the human tongue to detect.

[0053] It is also preferable to pulverize and / or classify the charcoal obtained by carbonization to adjust the particle size to the above-mentioned range.

[0054] <Substance (2)> The composition for refining edible oil of the present invention contains at least the above-mentioned substance (1) and the below-mentioned substance (2) as essential components. The substance (2) is (2-1) a synthetic preparation, (2-2) a metal oxide, (2-3) a silicate, (2-4) a porous body, or (2-5) a dietary fiber. One or more types of substance (2) may be used across the above groups as a whole, and one or more types of substance (2) may be used within each of the above groups.

[0055] <<(2-1) Synthetic Preparations>> "(2-1) Synthetic preparation" is one or more synthetic preparations selected from the group consisting of magnesia-silica based preparations, magnesia-alumina based preparations, and silica-alumina based preparations.

[0056] These synthetic preparations, for example, magnesia-silica-based preparations, are made from magnesia and silica components that are approved for use in food manufacturing. The raw materials, silica particles and magnesia particles, do not dissolve in water but are dispersed uniformly as nano-order particles, and the nanoparticles are combined without chemical bonding.

[0057] The desired magnesia-silica formulation can be obtained by homogeneously mixing magnesia (hydrate) and silica (hydrate) in the presence of water to form an aqueous slurry, allowing it to stand, and then removing the water. Specifically, when magnesia is hydrated by homogeneous mixing in water, some or all of its crystals or newly formed hydrate crystals collapse or peel off, becoming layered fine particles of magnesium hydrate (magnesium hydroxide) that are dispersed in the water. When the silica is mixed homogeneously in water, it dissolves into colloidal primary particles or agglomerated secondary particles.

[0058] When water is removed from the slurry in which these fine particles are uniformly dispersed and the solid concentration increases, the silica particles and the "thin-plate layered fine particles of magnesia hydrate" approach each other, and because they are charged with opposite polarities, the two types of fine particles become layered.Subsequently, when water is removed, the fine particles become tightly bonded together, forming a microstructure in which the silica particles are oriented and bonded to the magnesia layered particles.

[0059] The above example uses a magnesia-silica based preparation, but the same applies to magnesia-alumina based preparations and silica-alumina based preparations.

[0060] The form and production method of (2-1) synthetic preparation are also described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 3. The "(2-1) synthetic preparation" in the present invention is as described above.

[0061] They are also commercially available, and examples thereof include Mizuka Life (registered trademark), Mizuka Fine (registered trademark), Neo Bead SA, and Galleon Neutral (registered trademark) D2-Y, all manufactured by Mizusawa Industrial Chemicals Co., Ltd.

[0062] The mass average particle size of the (2-1) synthetic preparation of the present invention is preferably 10 μm or more and 250 μm or less, more preferably 25 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and particularly preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less. If the mass average particle size is within this range, the particles will not be too fine to be difficult to handle, will not escape when enclosed in a bag for refining edible oil, and will not be too coarse to have poor adsorption capacity.

[0063] <<(2-2) Metal oxides>> "(2-2) Metal oxide" is one or more metal oxides selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, and silicon dioxide.

[0064] These may be used in the form of one or more types of single particles, mixed particles, or associated particles (composite particles).

[0065] The mass average particle size of the (2-2) metal oxide in the present invention is preferably 0.010 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.03 μm or more and 6 μm or less, and particularly preferably 0.10 μm or more and 3 μm or less. If the mass average particle size is within this range, the particles will not be too fine to be difficult to handle, will not escape when enclosed in a bag for refining edible oil, and will not be too coarse to have poor adsorption capacity.

[0066] More specifically, when the "(2-2) metal oxide" is calcium oxide, the mass average particle size is preferably 0.010 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.10 μm or more and 8 μm or less, and particularly preferably 1.0 μm or more and 6 μm or less. Furthermore, when the "(2-2) metal oxide" is magnesium oxide, the mass average particle size is preferably 0.010 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.03 μm or more and 3 μm or less, and particularly preferably 0.10 μm or more and 1.0 μm or less. Furthermore, when the "(2-2) metal oxide" is aluminum oxide, the mass average particle size is preferably 0.010 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.10 μm or more and 6 μm or less, and particularly preferably 1.0 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0067] <<(2-3) Silicates>> "(2-3) Silicate" is one or more silicates selected from the group consisting of calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, and aluminum silicate. These may be used in the form of one or more types of single particles, mixed particles, or associated particles (composite particles).

[0068] The mass average particle size of the (2-3) silicate in the present invention is preferably 1.0 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, more preferably 2 μm or more and 300 μm or less, and particularly preferably 3 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If the mass average particle size is within this range, the particles will not be too fine to be difficult to handle, will not escape when enclosed in a bag for refining edible oil, and will not be too coarse to have poor adsorption capacity.

[0069] More specifically, when the "(2-3) silicate" is calcium silicate or aluminum silicate, the mass average particle size is most preferably 100 μm or more and 300 μm or less. Furthermore, when the "(2-3) silicate" is magnesium silicate, the mass average particle size is most preferably 1.0 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0070] <<(2-4) Porous Materials>> The "(2-4) porous material" is one or more porous materials selected from the group consisting of activated clay, diatomaceous earth, and zeolite. These may be used in the form of a single particle or a mixture of two or more kinds of particles.

[0071] Commercially available products are also suitable, such as activated clay and zeolite manufactured by Mizusawa Industrial Chemicals and Cosmo Chemical.

[0072] The mass average particle size of the (2-4) porous body in the present invention is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 1300 μm or less, more preferably 1.0 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, even more preferably 4 μm or more and 650 μm or less, particularly preferably 15 μm or more and 330 μm or less, and most preferably 20 μm or more and 170 μm or less. If the mass average particle size is within this range, the particles will not be too fine to be difficult to handle, will not escape when enclosed in a bag for refining edible oil, and will not be too coarse to have poor adsorption capacity.

[0073] <<(2-5) Dietary Fiber>> "(2-5) Dietary fiber" refers to one or more types of dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of water-soluble dietary fiber and water-insoluble dietary fiber. These may be used in the form of a single particle or a mixture of two or more kinds of particles. "Dietary fiber" refers to a substance derived from edible materials that is not digested by the human body. In the present invention, it is limited to solids.

[0074] (2-5) Whether the dietary fiber is water-soluble or water-insoluble, it is essential that it is solid and does not dissolve in the edible oil to be refined. (2-5) Examples of dietary fiber include so-called dietary fiber, plant dextrin, and indigestible dextrin.

[0075] The mass-average particle size of the (2-5) dietary fiber in the present invention is preferably 20 μm or more and 400 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and particularly preferably 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If the mass average particle size is within this range, the particles will not be too fine to be difficult to handle, will not escape when enclosed in a bag for refining edible oil, and will not be too coarse to have poor adsorption capacity.

[0076] [Edible oils to be refined] The edible oil is not particularly limited, and any edible oil can be refined. Specific examples include edible oils obtained from plant parts such as coconut, corn, sesame, cottonseed, olive, palm, rapeseed, peanut, soybean, and sunflower; and animal-derived edible oils such as lard, beef head, and chicken oil. In terms of uses, these include frying oil, salad oil, tempura oil, and stir-frying oil.

[0077] [Edible oil refining packaging] The present invention also relates to a sachet for edible oil refining, characterized in that the edible oil refining composition is enclosed in a sachet made of heat-resistant fiber, such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric.

[0078] The material of the edible oil refining bag is a heat-resistant fiber, and ceramic fiber is particularly preferred because it has high heat resistance and can be used to produce a cloth with a small mesh. Specifically, ceramic fibers made of metal oxides containing alumina and silica as main components can be mentioned. The heat resistance allows the cooking oil refining bag to be placed into the cooking oil while the cooking oil is still hot after cooking, thereby improving refining efficiency and saving time.

[0079] The edible oil refining bag may be made of woven, knitted or nonwoven fabric, but woven fabric is preferred from the standpoint of the permeability of edible oil. The mesh of the fabric is preferably fine enough to prevent substances (1) and (2) having particle sizes within the above-mentioned ranges from passing through, and the upper limit of the mesh size is determined by the preferred mass-average particle size and / or the lower limit particle size of substances (1) and (2).

[0080] The shape of the edible oil refining bag is not particularly limited, but for example, the shapes shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) and Fig. 3(b) are preferred. The edible oil refining bag of the present invention may be immersed directly in the edible oil to be refined (Figure 5), or may be designed to be placed on the bottom or side of the edible oil refining apparatus described below (Figures 3(a)(b)(c)).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 2, compared to storing the composition for refining edible oil in powder form in the storage stage, the bag-shaped composition is easier to handle and is easier to set up, replace, etc.

[0082] [Edible oil refining equipment] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for refining edible oil, characterized in that it has the above-mentioned edible oil refining composition so that it can come into contact with the edible oil to be refined (see Figure 2), and also to an apparatus for refining edible oil, characterized in that it has the above-mentioned edible oil refining bag mounted thereon so that it can come into contact with the edible oil to be refined (see Figures 3(a)(b)(c)).

[0083] The "edible oil refining composition storage compartment" in Figure 2 may contain the edible oil refining composition in powder form, or may contain the edible oil refining composition supported or attached to a cloth, sponge, etc. Alternatively, a edible oil refining pouch may be placed inside, as described below.

[0084] The manner in which the latter bag is mounted is not particularly limited as long as the bag can be easily installed and replaced, but it is preferable that the bag holder installed inside the cooking tank, cooking pot, or fryer is structured so that the edible oil refining bag can be placed in the bag holder, as shown in Figure 3(a). The edible oil refining composition of the present invention and the edible oil refining bag containing it may be designed to be placed on the side of a cooking tank, cooking pot, or fryer (Figure 3(a)) or on the bottom (Figure 2).

[0085] The shape of such a bag holder may be such that the entire side surface is a lid, as shown in Figure 3(b), and the edible oil refining bag of the present invention can be stored inside, or such that the top surface is a lid, as shown in Figure 3(c), and the edible oil refining bag of the present invention can be stored inside. In the former "form in which the entire side surface is a lid", it is preferable that the lid has a plurality of holes or is mesh-like (FIG. 3(b)). In the latter "form in which the top surface is a lid," it is also preferable that the side of the bag holder has a plurality of holes or that the side is mesh-like (FIG. 3(c)).

[0086] The edible oil refining apparatus of the present invention may have the edible oil refining composition of the present invention so that it can come into contact with edible oil, or may have the edible oil refining bag of the present invention, and in either case, it may be used together with a filtering member (filter material) (see Figure 2). When used in conjunction with a filtering element (filter material), it can also remove large unwanted particles and debris such as tempura scraps and fried food scraps.

[0087] The edible oil to be refined may be passed through the edible oil refining apparatus of the present invention only once or twice or more times during one refining run. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 4, the edible oil refining apparatus of the present invention may be placed under a cooking container such as a fryer and the edible oil may be passed through only once, or the edible oil may be circulated and passed through the edible oil refining composition (edible oil refining apparatus) repeatedly.

[0088] [Method of refining edible oil] <Uses composition for refining edible oil> The present invention also relates to a method for refining edible oil, which is characterized by using the above-mentioned composition for refining edible oil.

[0089] <<Uses edible oil refining bags>> The present invention also provides a method for refining edible oil, which comprises immersing the edible oil refining bag described above in the edible oil to be refined. The above-mentioned effects can be achieved simply by immersing the edible oil refining bag of the present invention in edible oil, so used edible oil can be refined extremely easily.

[0090] For example, as shown in Figure 5(a)(b), after cooking fried foods or tempura, especially immediately after cooking, you can add it to a wok or tempura pan and immerse it (dip dipping). This is extremely convenient and can be easily used in home kitchens. Furthermore, if the cooking oil is added while it is still hot after cooking, the adsorption effect is further enhanced and the total time until the end of cooking can be saved.

[0091] <<Uses edible oil refining equipment>> The present invention also relates to a method for refining edible oil, which uses the above-mentioned edible oil refining apparatus. The edible oil refining composition of the present invention can be suitably used in homes, cafeterias / restaurants, and edible oil manufacturing / recycling plants.

[0092] For example, as shown in Figure 5(b), after cooking fried foods or tempura, etc., it can be placed in a fryer and immersed (dipped) in a fryer, especially immediately after cooking. This is extremely convenient and can be used for commercial purposes in cafeterias, restaurants, etc. Furthermore, the cooking oil can be added while it is still hot after cooking, which further enhances the effect.

[0093] In the present invention, the mechanism by which the combined use of substance (1) and substance (2) improves the refining effect is not definitive and is not particularly limited to the following, but it is believed that substance (2) removes substances that make up a large proportion of the unwanted substances and impurities in used and deteriorated cooking oil, and substance (1) charcoal removes trace amounts of odorous substances and unpleasant taste substances in used and deteriorated cooking oil through its molecular-level adsorption ability. Therefore, it is believed that substance (1) and substance (2) work together to achieve the effects of the present invention. [Example]

[0094] The present invention will be explained in more detail below by way of Production Examples, Examples and Comparative Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples as long as they do not depart from the gist of the invention.

[0095] Manufacturing Example 1 Material (1) Charcoal was produced as follows. The raw material is pesticide-free bamboo, which is crushed into chips and then solidified into pellets. The pellets were then dried and carbonized at 830°C in an air-excluded carbonization furnace. Thereafter, without activation treatment, the mixture was cooled and then pulverized in a ball mill to obtain charcoal having a mass average particle size of 18 μm.

[0096] The obtained charcoal contained no heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead) or benzopyrene. In addition to carbon (C), silicon (Si) was also contained.

[0097] Example 1 20 g of charcoal, which is substance (1) obtained in the above Production Example 1, and 40 g of magnesia-silica preparation (Mizuka Fine (registered trademark) manufactured by Mizusawa Industrial Chemicals Co., Ltd.), which is substance (2), were mixed and stirred until homogeneous to obtain a composition for refining edible oil.

[0098] 10 g of the obtained composition for refining edible oil was taken out and placed in a large tea bag to prepare a bag for refining edible oil.

[0099] Rice oil was poured into a 20cm diameter pot up to 4cm from the bottom, and the temperature was maintained at 180℃. Many croquettes and cutlets were fried until the rice oil turned color. The "used rice bran oil" was then left to stand at room temperature for 48 hours, and once it had returned to room temperature, it was again heated to 180°C. This cycle of alternating between room temperature and 180°C was repeated three times, after which it was left to stand for 12 hours and returned to room temperature. A photograph of this is shown in Figure 6(a).

[0100] The "edible oil refining packet containing 10 g of the composition for edible oil refining" was placed in 80 g of "used rice bran oil" (Figure 6(a)) that had been cooled to room temperature (25°C) and allowed to soak. A photograph of the soaking process is shown in Figure 7. After soaking, the rice oil was kept at 25°C, and after 3 and 12 hours, the color change of the rice oil was visually observed, and the presence and change of odor and unpleasant flavor were examined sensorily.

[0101] Figure 6(b) shows a photograph of the edible oil refining bag after it was removed from the container after 3 hours of immersion. The photograph taken 12 hours after immersion was also similar to Figure 6(b). The appearance of the unused rice oil, including its color, before frying the croquettes and cutlets was the same as that shown in Figure 6(b). That is, after the edible oil refining bag was placed in the container and left at 25°C for 3 hours, the degree of coloring decreased and the appearance of unused rice bran oil returned to that of unused rice bran oil.

[0102] When the smell and taste were examined, the "used rice oil" (Figure 6(a)) had the smell and unpleasant taste that is characteristic of old oil, but the rice oil that had been soaked in a sachet for refining edible oil and left to stand at 25°C for 3 to 12 hours (Figure 6(b)) still had the pleasant smell and taste that is characteristic of rice oil, but the smell and unpleasant taste that are characteristic of old oil were gone.

[0103] Example 2 In Example 1, the substance (2) (2-1) magnesia-silica preparation was replaced with (2-2) calcium oxide, and the evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the odor and unpleasant taste peculiar to stale oil were eliminated, just as in Example 1.

[0104] Example 3 In Example 1, the magnesia-silica preparation (2-1) of substance (2) was replaced with calcium silicate (2-3), and the evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the odor and unpleasant taste characteristic of stale oil were eliminated, just as in Example 1.

[0105] Example 4 In Example 1, the magnesia-silica preparation (2-1), which is substance (2), was replaced with activated clay, diatomaceous earth, or zeolite (2-4). The evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, and in all cases, the odor and unpleasant taste unique to stale oil were eliminated, just as in Example 1.

[0106] Example 5 In Example 1, the magnesia-silica preparation (2-1), which is substance (2), was replaced with water-soluble dietary fiber (indigestible dextrin derived from wheat) (2-5). The evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, and it was found that the odor and unpleasant taste characteristic of stale oil were gone, just as in Example 1.

[0107] Example 6 In Example 1, "20 g of substance (1) charcoal and 40 g of substance (2) magnesia-silica preparation were mixed and stirred until uniform" was changed to "40 g of substance (1) charcoal and 60 g of substance (2) ((2-1) synthetic preparation, (2-2) metal oxide, (2-3) silicate, (2-4) porous body, or (2-5) dietary fiber) were mixed and stirred until uniform," and evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, in all cases, the odor and unpleasant taste unique to stale oil were gone, and the appearance returned to the appearance before use, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0108] Example 7 In Example 1, instead of immersing the cooking oil refining bag in cooking oil at 25°C and leaving it to stand at 25°C, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the cooking oil refining bag was immersed in cooking oil at 180°C, and then the temperature was allowed to drop naturally and was finally left to stand at room temperature (finally reaching 25°C).Except for this, the evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1, and as in Example 1, the smell and unpleasant taste unique to stale oil were gone.

[0109] Production Example 2, Example 8 In Production Example 1, charcoal was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that carbonization was carried out at 780°C, and the charcoal was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, as in Example 1, coloration was reduced and the odor and unpleasant taste unique to stale oil were eliminated. However, compared to Production Example 1 and Example 1, the odor and unpleasant taste unique to stale oil remained to a certain extent.

[0110] Comparative Production Example 1, Comparative Example 1 Charcoal was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that carbonization was carried out at 590°C. When evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, the charcoal carbonized at 590°C was unable to reduce the coloration of the edible oil or the "smell and unpleasant taste of stale oil" at all.

[0111] Example 9 The evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that instead of "enclosing the oil in a large tea bag for black tea," "the oil was encased in a heat-resistant bag made of woven fabric made of heat-resistant ceramic fiber." As a result, the coloration, odor, and unpleasant taste unique to old oil were eliminated, similar to or better than in Example 1, and with a shorter soaking time than in Example 1.

[0112] Example 10 In Example 1, instead of immersing the edible oil refining bag in edible oil, an edible oil refining device as shown in Figure 2 was used to filter the old edible oil and pass it through the edible oil refining composition. As a result, the fried food residue was completely removed, and the odor and unpleasant taste unique to stale oil were eliminated, as in Example 1.

[0113] Example 11 In Example 1, instead of immersing the edible oil refining bag directly in the edible oil, the edible oil refining bag containing the edible oil refining composition was passed through an edible oil refining device such as that shown in Figures 3(a) and (b). As in Example 1, the smell and unpleasant taste peculiar to old oil were completely gone, and the appearance had returned to the appearance before use, as shown in Figure 6(b). [Industrial Applicability]

[0114] The composition for refining edible oil of the present invention can be put into a bag and used at home, and can also be suitably used in the form of a bag or device in cafeterias, restaurants, and edible oil manufacturing and recycling plants, and therefore can be widely used in the fields of manufacturing and using the composition.

Claims

1. A composition for refining edible oil, which is used to purify edible oil by contacting the edible oil, and which contains at least the following substance (1) and substance (2): (1) Charcoal made from coniferous trees, broad-leaved trees, bamboo, rice husks, or coconut shells, which has been carbonized at a temperature higher than 600°C and has not undergone any "activation treatment in the production of activated carbon." (2) A substance that is one of the following (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), or (2-5): (2-1) One or more synthetic preparations selected from the group consisting of magnesia-silica preparations, magnesia-alumina preparations, and silica-alumina preparations. (2-2) One or more metal oxides selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, and silicon dioxide. (2-3) One or more silicates selected from the group consisting of calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, and aluminum silicate. (2-4) One or more porous materials selected from the group consisting of activated clay, diatomaceous earth, and zeolite (2-5) One or more dietary fibers selected from the group consisting of water-soluble dietary fibers and water-insoluble dietary fibers

2. 2. The composition for refining edible oil according to claim 1, wherein the substance (1) is charcoal obtained by carbonization at a temperature of 800°C or higher.

3. 2. The composition for refining edible oil according to claim 1, wherein the substance (1) is charcoal containing silicon (Si).

4. 2. The composition for refining edible oil according to claim 1, wherein the substance (1) is charcoal that does not contain benzopyrene.

5. A sachet for edible oil refining, characterized in that the edible oil refining composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is enclosed in a sachet made of heat-resistant fiber, such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric.

6. 5. An apparatus for refining edible oil, comprising the composition for refining edible oil according to any one of claims 1 to 4, so as to be in contact with the edible oil to be refined.

7. 6. An apparatus for refining edible oil, comprising the edible oil refining bag according to claim 5 mounted so as to be in contact with the edible oil to be refined.

8. A method for refining edible oil, comprising immersing the edible oil refining bag according to claim 5 in the edible oil to be refined.

9. A method for refining edible oil, comprising using the edible oil refining apparatus according to claim 6.

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