Walnut Oil Production Guide: Choosing the Right Equipment & Processing Method

Walnuts are considered a premium oilseed with an oil content of up to 65%–70%. Walnut oil, extracted from walnut kernels, is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and essential nutrients, making it a popular and stable product in the edible oil market.For investors planning to set up a walnut oil processing plant, choosing the right oil extraction equipment and processing method is crucial to ensure product quality and maximize profitability.

Walnut Oil Processing Methods

Currently, walnut oil production mainly relies on pressing technology, which is divided into two common approaches: cold pressing and hot pressing.

1. Cold Pressing (Cold Pressed Walnut Oil)

• Process: Oil is extracted at temperatures below 60°C without high heat treatment.

• Advantages: Retains natural flavor, aroma, and nutritional value of walnuts. The oil is bright in color and pure in taste.

• Disadvantages: Lower oil yield and relatively higher production cost.

• Best for: Premium nutrition oil markets and small to medium-scale walnut oil pressing plants.

2. Hot Pressing (Hot Pressed Walnut Oil)

• Process: Walnuts are steamed and roasted at high temperature before pressing.

• Advantages: Higher oil yield and greater production efficiency; produces a stronger aroma.

• Disadvantages: Some nutrients are lost, and oil color tends to be darker.

• Best for: Large-scale walnut oil extraction plants focusing on yield and cost efficiency.

Walnut Oil Extraction Equipment

The choice of walnut oil extraction machine directly impacts both oil yield and product quality.

Screw Oil Press Machine

• Features: Continuous operation, high automation, and efficient performance.

• Advantages: Suitable for industrial-scale production, especially for factories prioritizing output and cost control.

• Applications: Commonly used as the main equipment in large walnut oil production lines.

Hydraulic Oil Press Machine

• Features: Static physical pressing with lower temperature.

• Advantages: Produces higher-quality oil with natural flavor and nutrition retained.

• Disadvantages: Lower efficiency and limited daily capacity.

• Applications: Ideal for boutique brands, organic oil production, and small-scale walnut oil mill plants.

Recommended Equipment for a Walnut Oil Processing Plant

A complete walnut oil processing plant generally includes:

• Walnut kernel pretreatment equipment (shelling, drying, crushing)

• Oil press machine (screw or hydraulic)

• Oil filtration system

• Refining equipment (walnut oil refining equipment for degumming, deacidification, decolorization, deodorization)

• Bottling and packaging line (bottling equipment for walnut oil)

Based on your target production scale and market positioning, you can select either a fully automated walnut oil production line or a small-capacity manual setup.

Key Factors for Investment Success

1. Market Positioning – Premium cold-pressed health oil vs. mass-market hot-pressed cooking oil.

2. Production Capacity – Determine daily/yearly output to design the right walnut oil processing machinery.

3. Process Selection – Choose between cold pressing and hot pressing according to raw material availability, consumer preference, and sales strategy.

As a leading edible oil machinery manufacturer, QIE Group provides tailored walnut oil processing solutions to match your unique needs. From small hydraulic oil presses to large-scale fully automated walnut oil processing plants, we deliver efficient, energy-saving, and reliable equipment to help you build a high-quality walnut oil brand.

Ready to start your walnut oil processing business? Contact QIE’s professional team today for a customized walnut oil processing plant solution.