Compositional differences among crambe samples and between seed components

Data germane to the processing and utilization of crambe as a new oilseed include information on variations to be expected in gross composition of the seed (fruit) and its component parts. Seventy-five samples ofCrambe abyssinica Hochst. ex R. E. Fries from experimental plantings in 17 states have been analyzed. Samples as received contained 16 to 62% pod material (pericarp), the extremes representing samples with many seeds removed from the pod or with many pods containing no seed. The amount of pericarp was most often between 25 and 40%. Oil content of seed (without pericarp) ranged from 36 to 54%, with most samples between 40 and 48%; crude protein from 22 to 37%, usually 25 to 30%; and erucic acid in the oil from 39 to 60%, usually 53 to 59%. Total thioglucoside content in 30 samples ranged from 8 to 10% calculated asepi-progoitrin in oil-free meal, although 2 samples were between 4 and 5%. One sample was hand-separated into pericarp (40%) and seed, and the latter was further separated into seed coat (8%), cotyledon (82%) and hypocotyl (10%). The pericarp contained only 0.4% lipid and the respective seed fractions 17, 55 and 38%. Their corresponding protein contents were 4, 23, 23 and 34%; and their thioglucoside contents (oil-free meal), 0.1, 2.1, 10.9 and 13.0%. Cotyledon and hypocotyl were quite similar in amino acid composition. Neither contained hydroxylproline, which is in both pericarp and seed coat. Presented at AOCS meeting in Chicago, October 1964. No. Utiliz. Res. Dev. Div. ARS, USDA. Crops Research Division, ARS, USDA.