Achieving a new landmark in research, Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) has developed an ohmic heater for stabilization of rice bran oil. The technology, which would help in scale up the production of rice bran oil and increasing its shelf life, is first of its kind in the country.

CIPHET Director Dr R.K Gupta today transferred this technology to V.Gowathaman of Chennai, the entrepreneur who has requested institute for development of the technology.

Notably, with increasing health awareness use of rice bran oil is on the rise due to presence of many naturally occurring antioxidants. Rice bran oil has a very high smoke (burn) point, making it perfect for deep frying, pan or stir frying and is a premium choice for the replacement of hydrogenated oil containing trans fat now being used in deep fryers. Rice bran oil creates less polymers than other oils meaning better flavor and easier clean-up

Senior Scientists Dr Devinder Dhingra and Dr Sangeeta Chopra, who have developed ohmic heater for rice bran, said that ohmic heating was most advanced technology available anywhere in the world. “Through, ohmic heat we would be able to preserve many important ingredients and also its shelf would get improved manifolds,” he said, adding that this method of heating is also good for large scale production.

V.Gowthaman , who got the technology, said that he oil processed through ohmic heating was far superior than conventional methods. He said that lot many health benefits were attached with this oil. “I will start commercial scale production by using CIPHET technology in Chennai,” he added. Dr Deepak Raj Rai, Head Transfer of Technogy and ITMU Incharge Dr D.M Kadam were also present when technology was transferred to the entrepreneur.