The composition of safflower seed

Safflower has some interesting variations in composition. Current commercial seed types have about 40% hull, 37% oil, and 23% meal. Varities also exist with from 59-18% hull and inversely varying oil and meal percentages. The fatty acid composition of the linoleic acid type oils is quite constant at about 78% linoleic, 11% oleic, 3% stearic, 6% palmitic. Experimental types have been described with about 45% oleic: 45% linoleic, 80% oleic: 10% linoleic, and with 10% stearic. Compositional data are reviewed with particular attention to major and minor constituents (especially linolenic acid) that influence safflower use. W. Utiliz. Res. Dev. Div., ARS, USDA.