Hexane: a controversial solvent for extracting vegetable oils

Hexane is a petrochemical solvent that has been used since the 1940s to extract oil from oilseeds (rapeseed, sunflower, soya…). This method is very cost-efficient and achieves a yield of up to 99%, making it the most widely used industrial technique for producing refined oils.

⚠️ Why is hexane a problem?

Neurotoxicity: Hexane is classified as neurotoxic, with potential risks to the nervous, reproductive and endocrine systems. Public health issues relate primarily to chronic exposure.

Possible residues in food: Analyses have identified traces of hexane in some refined oils as well as in by-products (milk, butter, meat) derived from animals fed with hexane-extracted oilcake.

Loss of nutritional value: Chemical extraction and subsequent refining affects the flavour and reduces the content of sensitive nutrients in vegetable oils.

Environmental impact: Hexane is highly volatile and contributes to air pollution and poses a risk to workers exposed in the extraction plants.

🫒 How can you avoid hexane in your food?

  • Choose virgin oils, extra virgin oils or oils from first cold pressing: they are extracted mechanically without chemical solvents.
  • Favour organic oils, where the use of hexane is strictly prohibited.
  • Avoid ” refined “, ” neutral ” or ” deodorised ” oils: they often come from chemical extraction.

🌿 In conclusion

Hexane offers a very high yield for the industry, but its use raises major challenges: public health, nutritional quality, transparency and environmental impact. To consume in a healthier and more sustainable way, opt for organic, virgin and cold-pressed oils.

☕ Carasso: Freshly Roasted Organic Coffee – No Compromise on Quality

At 7-bio.ch, we’ve chosen exceptional organic coffee – but above all, freshly roasted coffee. That’s why we offer Carasso coffees, roasted in Geneva using traditional methods, only on demand. The result? A coffee that’s nothing like what’s been sitting on supermarket shelves for weeks.

🔥 Roasted to order, never stored

We don’t keep Carasso coffees in stock. Each customer order is passed directly to the roaster. Once the beans are freshly roasted and packed, we collect them and ship them without delay. This ensures you receive coffee at its peak freshness.

👃 Maximum aroma, unmatched flavour

Freshly roasted coffee reveals its full aromatic potential: floral, fruity, toasted… The essential oils are still intact, the flavours are clear, balanced, and never overly bitter. What you’re drinking is a living coffee, not an oxidized one.

🌿 Organic and healthy: no pesticides, fewer risks

Carasso coffee is organically grown and reduces exposure to mycotoxins like ochratoxin A. These invisible mould toxins develop in poorly stored or old beans. Thanks to careful selection and fast packing after roasting, this risk is greatly reduced.

💡 Why it matters

  • ✅ Superior taste experience
  • ✅ Better for your health (fewer toxins)
  • ✅ Supporting local craftsmanship (Carasso has roasted in Geneva since 1866)
  • ✅ Less waste – roasted only when needed, no overstock

Taste the difference.
With freshly roasted Carasso coffee, every cup becomes an experience. Order now at 7-bio.ch and bring meaning back to your coffee ritual.

Which oils are best for healthy cooking? The 7-bio guide

Not all oils are created equal in cooking. Some can withstand high heat very well, while others must remain raw to preserve their benefits. At 7-bio.ch, we offer you a selection of high-quality organic oils tailored to your needs: gentle cooking, high-temperature cooking, or seasoning.

🧪 Good to know:

A study published in March 2025 in the journal Science revealed that linoleic acid — an omega-6 fatty acid found in large quantities in conventional sunflower, soybean, and corn oils — may promote the growth of aggressive cancer cells via the FABP5 protein. This highlights the importance of choosing oils rich in oleic acid (omega‑9), such as high oleic sunflower oil, which are more stable when heated and potentially safer for long-term health.

1. High-Temperature Cooking (180–240°C)

Ideal for pan-frying, oven cooking, grilling, or deep-frying:

  • Avocado oil – Very high smoke point (~270°C), neutral taste, rich in healthy fats (oleic acid).
  • Virgin coconut oil – Excellent cooking stability, with a light and pleasant aroma.
  • Ghee (clarified butter) – Lactose-free alternative to butter, suitable for high-heat applications.
  • High oleic sunflower oil – Rich in omega‑9 (oleic acid), more stable and healthier than standard sunflower oil, ideal for high-heat cooking.

2. Gentle Cooking (up to 160–180°C)

Perfect for stews, slow-cooked meals, or steaming:

  • Extra virgin olive oil – Rich in antioxidants and oleic acid, stable at moderate heat.
  • Sesame oil – Best for Asian dishes or light stir-fries.
  • Virgin rapeseed (canola) oil – A good source of omega‑3, suitable for gentle cooking.

3. Oils to Be Consumed Exclusively Raw

Use these oils for seasoning, salad dressings, or drizzling over steamed vegetables:

  • Flaxseed oil – Exceptionally rich in omega‑3, delicate and should be kept refrigerated.
  • Walnut oil – Elegant nutty flavor, ideal in green salads or over fresh cheeses.
  • Hemp oil – Offers a well-balanced omega‑3 to omega‑6 ratio.

4. Summary Table

For a quick overview:

Oil Max Temperature Best Use
Avocado 270°C Deep-frying, oven, wok
Coconut 230°C Pan-frying, sweet & savory dishes
Ghee 250°C Grilling, high-heat cooking
High oleic sunflower oil 220–230°C Frying, sautéing, oven cooking
Olive 180°C Gentle cooking
Sesame 170°C Asian dishes
Rapeseed 150°C Steaming, low-heat dishes
Flax / Walnut / Hemp <130°C Raw use, seasoning

Conclusion

At 7-bio.ch, we’ve curated a range of organic oils — many cold-pressed — that suit your culinary needs. Choosing the right oil protects both the flavor of your food and your long-term well-being. For high-heat applications, high oleic sunflower oil is a smart and healthy choice over standard sunflower oil.

Manuka Honey and Black Cumin Oil: Two Natural Allies for Winter

Winter brings its share of freshness and seasonal discomforts. To ease this period, nature offers us ingredients with exceptional properties. Among them, **Manuka honey** and **black cumin oil** are two must-haves to integrate into your daily routine.

Manuka Honey: A Comforting Sweetness

Originating from New Zealand and Australia, **Manuka honey** is appreciated for its creamy texture and its natural richness in **methylglyoxal (MGO)**.

Why use it in winter?

  • A smooth, comforting texture: Perfect for warming up cold days.
  • A unique taste: Intense flavor with a slight caramelized note.
  • A natural energy source: Provides carbohydrates for a great start to the day.

How to consume it?

  • By the spoonful: One tablespoon, preferably in the morning.
  • As a sweet break: Let it melt in your mouth to enjoy its flavors.

Black Cumin Oil: A Traditional Oil with a Spicy Taste

Extracted from **Nigella sativa** seeds, **black cumin oil**, also known as nigella oil, has been renowned for centuries for its many uses.

Why include it in your winter routine?

  • A spicy, warming taste: Appreciated in many cultures.
  • A natural concentrate: Contains essential fatty acids.
  • Easy to use: One daily dose is enough.

📌 **Discover our selection of** Manuka honey **and** black cumin oil **in our shop.**

noir sont des ingrédients aux saveurs riches et intenses, parfaits pour un hiver tout en douceur.

👉 Astuce : Optez pour un miel de Manuka avec un MGO élevé et une huile de cumin noir vierge, pressée à froid et biologique, pour une qualité optimale.

📌 Retrouvez notre sélection de miels de Manuka et huiles de cumin noir sur notre boutique.