Sunflower, Helianthus annuus of the Asteraceae family, also known as: calom, jáquima, wonder flower, mirasol, acahual or shield flower.
It is native to Central and North America where it’s cultivated for oil extraction(oilseed plant) and in some places as an ornamental plant. This crop has spread throughout the world.
Sunflower expeller (Official definition:) Product of the oil extraction industry obtained by exerting pressure on sunflower seeds.
↠In recent years almost all of the marketed sunflower expeller comes from the manufacutring of biodiesel with oil. Being in most cases of European origin.
Sunflower expeller is the main residue generated when pressure is applied on the sunflower seed for oil extrusion.
It is a source of high quality protein which can be used freely in balanced diets for poultry and pigs due to the absence of toxic compounds. Only chlorogenic acid (Polyphenol) has been found in quantitites between 1 and 3%, but it has very little practical importance (FEDNA, 2019).
The cake has a high energy value, due to its high oil content which can reach 10%.
Procurement process
It is obtained through a system which relies on the use of pressure. There are two procedures:
1) Cold intermittent pressure
The oil is extracted by successive pressures at a temperature below 80ºC. The cakes which are obtained with this system have a 6 to 12% oil content.
2) Continuous hot pressure
The seed is preheated to 90ºC and then pressed until it reaches 120ºC. The obtained product has 4 to 6% fat.
Chemical composition
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