Sunflower processing technique

A great deal of interest has recently been shown in sunflower seed as an oilseed erop. The introduction of new Russian seed varieties with higher oil content have helped to stimulate this interest, particularly in the flax and cottonseed growing areas. This paper presents background material pertinent to the subject of sunflower processing. Such things as seed structure, oil and meal quality and certain economic considerations are included. Processing techniques currently used are discussed and comparisons made with the processing of other oilseeds. Brief mention is made of storage and handling of the seeds, meal and oil. Extraction is discussed briefly, but since it is successful only if the seed is properly prepared, seed preparation and handling prior to extraction are stressed. Sunflower seeds are nearly 30% hulls and these hulls are high in crude fiber content. For this reason, dehulling and hull separation practices are important aspects of processing sunflowers. Expeller operating variables are also important where prepressing is part of the process. These processes are stressed. Direct solvent extraction and prepress solvent extraction methods are currently being used successfully. Features of both methods and their applicability are discussed along with seed preparation needed for each method. One of nine papers to be published from the Symposium on Solvent Extraction Techniques for Soybean and Other Seeds, presented at the AOCS Meeting, Minneapolis, October, 1969.