High Stearic High Oleic Sunflower Oil Extraction: Influence of Temperature, Moisture, and Dehulling on Kinetic Parameters

In the present work, the influence of temperature, moisture content, and dehulling on the kinetic parameters of the oil extraction of high stearic high oleic (HSHO) sunflower seeds is analyzed. A modified Fick's diffusion model that considers extraction as the sum of two components (diffusion and washing) is used. The washing fraction (M-0/M-infinity) and diffusion coefficients (D-eff) are calculated taking into account the number of terms appropriate to each case. The statistical analysis shows a dependence of the washing fraction on temperature in the 40-50 degrees C range, while no statistical differences are detected in the 50-60 degrees C range. Although there are changes in the model parameters with the moisture content of the seeds (7.8%, 6.9%, and 4.8% dry basis), no specific trend is evidenced. The effective diffusion coefficient for the dehulled sample (1.48 +/- 0.13 x 10(-12) m(2) s(-1)) is 60% higher than that of the unshelled sample (0.95 +/- 0.05 x 10(-12) m(2) s(-1)). The extraction kinetics of tocopherols at 50 degrees C is also analyzed.Practical Applications: The manuscript performs an analysis of different factors that influence the extraction of oil from high stearic high oleic (HSHO) sunflower seeds, which directly affect the efficiency of the oil extraction process. The results of this study provide useful information for a joint evaluation of oil extraction yields and costs resulting from the processing of a non-conventional sunflower hybrid, promoting, in addition, the development of healthy high value-added oils.