Best Vegetable Oils to Import from Turkey

Vegetable oils have been used around the world for thousands of years in cooking, naturopathic remedies, and other uses. With the development of the vegetable oil industry, refined oils can be preserved for a long time. Thus, the oils that can be transported all over the world can be used in different dishes and flavors. Turkey is one of the world’s leading countries in producing oilseed plants, nuts, and olives. Therefore, it naturally comes to the fore in producing vegetable oil. 

Due to its geographical location, Turkey is in the Mediterranean and Aegean basins, where olive oil has historically been specified. In addition, sunflower, corn, hazelnut, sesame, and almond oil are vegetable oils produced in Turkey. Let’s talk about the world’s most delicious and quality oils that can be imported from Turkey.

Olive Oil

When it comes to olive oil production, Mediterranean countries come to mind all over the world. Turkey is one of the top five olive oil producers in the world. You can also import olive oil of different tastes and qualities from Turkey. What are Turkey’s olive oil production and export data?

In 2021, Turkey increased its olive production by 32% to 1.7 million tons. Olive oil production, on the other hand, increased by 35% to around 236 thousand tons. The southern Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean regions come to the fore in olive oil production in Turkey. Olive oil is divided into three groups according to the way it is processed and obtained:

• Natural olive oil: It is the oil obtained only by physical means. Its acid content is high, and its color can change from yellow to green. It is divided into two as extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil. Taste and aroma are sharper in natural extra virgin olive oil. Virgin olive oil is lighter than extra virgin oil.
• Riviera olive oil: It is obtained by mixing natural olive oil and refined olive oil for those who do not want intense olive oil.
• Refined olive oil: It is a yellow, scentless oil extracted without changing the olive oil structure.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower is a plant grown for its oil and seeds from the daisy family. Its oil, which is the most preferred oil for cooking oil in the world, is the most consumed oil in Turkey. Sunflower oil is obtained from sunflowers grown especially in the Marmara region of Turkey. Sunflower oil, refined and rendered odorless, has a yellow color. Since the heating degree of the oil is high, it is generally used in cooking and frying. Turkey realizes about 4% of world sunflower production. After meeting the need in the domestic market, refined, and packaged sunflower oil is exported to other countries.

Corn Oil

Corn oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the germ of corn. Besides cooking oil, it is also used in the production of biodiesel, soap, ointment, ink, and textile products. Its color is dark yellow to orange. Corn production in Turkey is more than 6.5 million tons per year, especially in the Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia regions.

Hazelnut Oil

The oil obtained from hazelnut is light and cold oil. Hazelnut oil, which is pale and yellow in color, is an aromatic oil. It is often used in cake, salad, and dessert recipes. It is also frequently used in the cosmetic industry. Turkey is the world’s largest hazelnut producer and has increased its hazelnut oil production in recent years. Turkey exports the remaining portion of hazelnut oil after meeting the demands of the domestic market. The country exports hazelnut oil to more than 20 countries, primarily the USA and China.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil, an oil obtained from sesame seeds, is a summer oil plant. Approximately 50-60% of the seed contains oil and the remaining part contains protein. Since it is an expensive oil, it is suitable for daily use rather than cooking use. It is frequently used in the cosmetic industry and soap making.

In recent years, the cultivation area has expanded considerably in Turkey. It is grown in most regions, especially in the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Anatolia. Turkey has steadily increased its sesame exports, especially since 2019. The production is expected to increase every year in Turkey, which exports more than 37 thousand tons of sesame seeds annually. Since sesame oil is obtained by pressing, care should be taken to ensure that it is cold-pressed.

Almond Oil

Almond oil, obtained from the edible seed of almonds, has a wide range of uses, from food to cosmetics. Today, it is frequently used in cosmetics and skin care rather than food. The high amount of vitamin E and other minerals it contains increases the importance of almond oil. Although the production of almonds in Turkey has increased in recent years, most production is done in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Especially Antalya, Mersin, Adıyaman, and Muğla provinces come to the fore in almond production. 

Turkey is the 4th largest almond producer in the world and meets the needs of approximately 1% of the world market. Turkey produces more than 150 thousand tons of almonds annually. In addition to being consumed as nuts, almonds are mostly used as vegetable oil.

We Supply Top Quality Vegetable Oils from Turkey to the World

Turkey produces high-standard vegetable oils as one of the most important producers in the world. As Turkish Goods, we send you the best vegetable oils from Turkey. We are your solution partner for all your refined or natural oil needs. Together with our expert team in 13 different languages, we offer you the best price within 48 hours.