Sunflower

These seeds have been cultivated for several thousand years, originally in the Mississippi River valley, the oldest known site being in Tennessee. They have been used by Native Americans for nearly 5,000 years. They were brought to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors.

When grown during it full season, big sunflower crops may yield more than 1000 pounds/acre (1121 kilograms/hectare). In some areas of the United States, sunflowers can also be grown as a double crop, so that the same area can be used for two harvests in the same season. However, it is not recommended that sunflowers be planted in the same area more than once every three to four years.

World sunflowerseed production in 2003/4 was forecast to rise by 7.6% to 25.73 million metric tons from 23.92 million. Despite the higher production level, demand was strong and stocks in 2003/4 were forecast to drop 8% to 830,000 metric tons. The world’s largest producer of sunflowerseeds is the former Soviet Union with 37% of the crop in 2003/4, followed by Argentina (13%), Eastern Europe (12%), and the European Union (10%). World production of sunflowerseed oil rose 8% to 9.03 million metric tons from 8.37 million in 2002/3. US production of sunflowerseeds in 2003/4 was forecast at 1.19 million metric tons, up 5.3% from 1.13 million 2002/3.

Sunflower was introduced in India as an oilseed crop for the first time in 1969.Sunflower is a drought tolerant crop due to its deep tap root, therefore, it is the best substitute to all rainfed commercial crop.In India, sunflower is grown both in the kharif and rabi season. However, around 70% of the crop is produced in the rabi (November – March) season. The kharif (June – September) period accounts for less than 30% of the crop currently.

Indian sunflower seed production ranges between 10-15 lakh tons. The major producers are Karnataka (35%), Andhra Pradesh (30%), Maharashtra (15%), Punjab (4%) and Haryana (4%).

The sunflower oil production of the world is around 8-9 million tons in a normal year. The exports are traditionally around 30% of the total production. It is expected that around 3 million tons of oil will be exported in 2005-06.

Russia and Ukraine are respectively the first and second largest producer of sunflower seed in the World. The other major producers are Argentina, France, Romania, Hungary, China, India and United States of America.

Currently, sunflower seed accounts for around 8% of the world's total oilseed production and sunflower oil accounts for 9% of the global edible oil production.

Global sunflower seed output is estimated around 25 million tons with the CIS region dominating production. Argentina, Eastern Europe, and European Union are the other major producers. Global sunflower oil output is estimated at 10 million tons with over 80% of sunflower seed used for crushing to make oil. Global demand of sunflower oil is also estimated to be on par with output. Global trade in sunflower oil is estimated to be around 3.5 million tons. Argentina, Hungary, CIS region are leading exporters while Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, Spain are main importers.

World exports of sunflowerseeds in 2003/4 was forecast at 3.38 million metric tons, up sharply by 48% from 2.28 million in 2002/3. Exports account for 13% of world production. The world’s largest exporters in 2002/3 were Argentina (with 21% of world exports), Hungary (15.2%), the former Soviet Union (15.1%), and the US (10%). The world’s largest importers were the Netherlands (with 17.4% of world imports), Turkey (17.4%), Spain (10.2%), and Germany (9.5%).

In addition to linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid), sunflower seeds are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, protein, Vitamin E, B Vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, selenium,calcium and zinc. Additionally, they are rich in cholesterol-lowering phytosterols. They are also low calorie food in regular sized servings.

The original sunflower oil (linoleic sunflower oil) is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (about 66% linoleic acid) and low in saturated fats, such as palmitic acid and stearic acid. However, various hybrids have been developed to alter the fatty acid profile of the crop for various purposes.

Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil expressed from sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds. Sunflower oil is commonly used in food as a frying oil, and in cosmetic formulations as an emollient.

Sunflower oil also contains lecithin, tocopherols, carotenoids and waxes. Sunflower oil's properties are typical of a vegetable triglyceride oil.

There are several types of sunflower oils produced, some examples are: high linoleic, high oleic and mid oleic. High linoleic sunflower oil typically has at least 69% linoleic acid. High oleic sunflower oil has at least 82% oleic acid. Variation in fatty acid profile are strongly influenced by both genetics and climate.

In India the average yield of oil obtained by mechanical extraction from sunflower seed is 35 % from unshelled seed of normal moisture content (9%) and 42.5% by pre-press and solvent extraction. Crude oil to refined oil conversion rate is 95%. Sunflower seed has an oil recovery of 35%. The protein content is around 25% and sunflower meal is used as a protein source in animal feed preparation. Sunflower oil is considered as a healthy oil.

The sunflower oil is used for culinary purposes, in the preparation of vanaspati and in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics. The refined sunflower oil is rich in minerals and vitamins A, D, E and C.

Nowadays, sunflower oil is one of the most popular oils in the world. The oil is typically extracted by applying great pressure to the sunflower seeds and collecting the oil. After extraction, the pressed sunflower seed cake can be used as a valuable livestock feed, which is rich in proteins.

Sunflower oil is healthy and natural edible oil known for its light and odorless characters. Rich in Vitamin E sunflower oil is derived from sunflower seed carrying nearly 45-50% oil content. A native of South Africa and North America sunflower is now grown all over thew world.

In the future, sunflower oil could become a renewable, eco-friendly energy source by using it as a bio-source for hydrogen. A team for the University of Leeds has developed a workable method for the extraction of hydrogen from sunflower oil, through a chain of chemical reactions with nickel and carbon-based catalysts.

Sunflower seed oil (barrey ka tel) means the oil expressed from the seeds of Carthamus tinctorious. It shall be clear, free from rancidity, suspended or other foreign matter, separated water, added colouring or flavouring substances, or mineral oil.  It shall conform to the following standards:-

The sunflower seed oil shall be clear and brilliant when held at 70 degrees to 85 degree Fahrenheit. The sunflower seed oil shall be free from sediment, such as metal, wood, dirt, glass, paint, insects, insect parts, or any other foreign material. The sunflower seed oil shall have a bland odor and flavor and shall be free from beany, rancid, painty, musty, metallic, fishy, putrid, or any other undesirable odor and/or flavor. The sunflower seed oil shall have a light viscosity shall and not have a heavy oily mouth feel.

The oil must be fortified with vitamin A (retinol palmitate) at the rate of 60-75 IU/g.

ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS

Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed extractions are widely used as protein material for animal feed. Indian sunflower seed extractions contain about 30% crude protein with 30% fibre. Although sunflower protein is low in lysine, methionime & cystine levels are favourable to meet poultry feed requirements. It is superior to most vegetable proteins in digestibility. Recent development of various enzyme preparations, which can act upon fibre in sunflower meal, making it more digestible, can result in an economical substitute for various protein sources. Thus it can be used at higher levels in the poultry feed.

SUNFLOWER MEAL PROTEIN 28% MIN. MOISTURE 10% MAX. FIBER 30% MAX. S & S 2.5% MAX.

Sunflower seed kernels, dried Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 570 kcal 2390 kJ