There can be many differences in flavours and quality due to the processing and addition (or not) of white oil. The seed is gently heated before being pressed - higher heat produces higher yield, higher roasted nutty flavour, lower nutritional value, lower cost and vice versa. The gentle heating is necessary as it releases the oil from the seed and from tests we have done, it also increases some of the nutrient transfer into the oil instead of remaining with the seed residue.
Another way I believe you may be able to get an idea of purity of pumpkin seed oil is to look at the Omega content. Pure pumpkin seed oil shows negligible amounts of Omega 3 (Linolenic Acid) and high Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid). There are plenty of websites that say pumpkin seed oil is a good source of Omega 3 however this is from the addition of another oil during extraction. We know a manufacturer who adds Canola oil specifically to increase the Omega 3 content. Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid and necessary in our diets. This may show it is not pure, however the benefits of getting some Omega 3 outweigh the fact that it is not pure.
Pumpkin seed oil that is not 100% pure does not mean it is not good - not at all, as it can actually be enhanced through shelf-life, taste or nutrients with other oils. It also depends what you are using it for; flavour or nutrition? If you find a lower priced oil and you just want good flavour and it has it, then use it. If you want the nutritional quality then remember you get what you pay for.
Pumpkin seed oil with an Omega 3 content will go rancid more quickly as that is the nature of Omega 3. Flax seed oil is a great source of Omega 3 and if it is fresh and good quality then it can last a good 3 months in the fridge. Pumpkin seed oil with a high Omega 6 content will last in the right conditions for 2 years. A small amount (eg 80ml) in a dipping bowl in the sun and airy place will go rancid in a couple of hours, that's what its meant to do (the reasons I will explain in another blog!). If you are not sure what a rancid oil tastes like, put some on a spoon and leave it on the bench in an airy spot for a few hours and then dip your finger in to try it and you'll know.
To sum it all up: eating quality oils will help your health and well-being. The money spent on a good quality oil (and food in general) will be saved in other areas (expensive vitamin pills, doctors visits etc). Buy good quality and you'll get the flavour and nutritional benefits.
(Regarding the 250ml picture in the shopping cart of two different looking bottles. The orange label is our existing one and the other a design option similar (we have changed it a bit since this photo was taken) to a new label we will be using soon to make all our products come under the one consistent branding of 'Australian Pumpkin Seed Company'. We also have the 500ml size. )
Starting right at the beginning..... This picture is of two of the founding members John & Helen West, showing the wonderful Styrian variety of pumpkin seeds, from a pumpkin grown on the family farm.
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