Turbidimetric measurement of haze in canola oil by acetone precipitation

Formation of turbidity in canola oil was facilitated with addition of acetone, and a method to measure the sediment content based on the oil turbidity has been developed. Canola oil was mixed with acetone at the ratio of 60:40, and the turbid solution developed in an ice bath for 20 min. The turbidity of the oil solution was determined by a turbidimeter. The relation between turbidity of the oil solution and sediment content was nonlinear and could be correlated by a second-order polynomial. There was no difficulty in the development of turbidity in canola oil solutions in the presence of added lecithin (2%, w/w). However, with added lecithin, turbidity was 23% higher at the same sediment content.