The optimal location for cultivating castor fields is predominantly found in Western Gujarat, India, although it is also cultivated in China and Brazil. The climatic conditions and superior quality of soil in India make it the primary producer of castor seeds, oil, and derivatives. The hot, arid climate and loamy soil in Gujarat provide an ideal environment for the cultivation of healthy castor plants. Cultivation demands vigilant weed control, with a typical growing season lasting around four months.

The crops are harvested mechanically or manually, with the seeds subsequently hulled to obtain the castor beans, which are comprised of approximately 50 percent oil. Commercially, the oil derived from the beans holds greater significance than the bean itself, which can be hazardous due to its toxicity. Despite the presence of toxins in castor residue, technological advancements enable its detoxification for agricultural and horticultural applications. Notably, the quality of castor remains consistent regardless of its place of origin, whether in India or Brazil.

Once the seeds are hulled, they undergo a series of processes, including cleaning, roasting, and drying, before being subjected to hydraulic or screw pressing to extract the oil. The residual oil can be obtained using solvent extraction. Castor oil is distinguished by its high dodecahydroxyoleic acid content, an exclusive characteristic not found in other vegetable oils. Additionally, it is soluble in alcohol, resistant to heat, and not soluble in water.

Subsequent to oil extraction, impurities are removed using a filter press before the purified oil undergoes refining at a refinery. This refining process involves settling and degumming, neutralizing, bleaching, and deodorizing.