Kinnityslaatu

Kinnityslaatu is a traditional method of oil extraction from seeds used primarily in Northern European cuisine. It is a labor-intensive and old-fashioned process in which seeds, particularly those from plants like flax (Linum usitatissimum) or hemp (Cannabis sativa), are manually extracted to produce culinary oil.

The name "kinnityslaatu" is based on the Finnish language and roughly translates to " pressed oil". The process usually begins with drying the seeds to remove excess moisture. The dried seeds are then crushed or flaked to facilitate oil extraction. The crushed seeds are typically pressed with a manual or mechanical press to extract the oil, which is often accomplished with a wooden or stone roller.

Kinnityslaatu is prized for its distinct flavor profile and high nutritional value. Compared to refined commercial oils, kinnityslaatu tends to retain more of the seed's beneficial nutrients and flavor compounds. Physicians in the past often recommended eating foods high in kinnityslaatu oil due to its perceived health benefits.

Today, kinnityslaatu is not a commonly practiced method of oil extraction in industrial settings, as it is time-consuming and does not produce oil on a large enough scale to meet commercial demands. Nevertheless, some artisanal food producers and enthusiasts continue to use this traditional method to create handcrafted, artisanal oils for specialty markets or personal consumption. Critics of commercial oil products have pointed to kinnityslaatu as a preferred method for retaining original plant characteristics and nutritional value.