Studies on seed of Hypochaeris variegata L. (Baker): seed oil and residual seed meal

Abstract

Seeds from Hypochaeris variegata L. (Baker) harvested at Olavarría (Buenos Aires, Argentine) were defatted with hexane and the raw oil obtained with a yield of 24,7% dry basis. The crude oil was examined in their physicochemical characteristics had refractive index of 1,4637 (at 25ºC), iodine value of 125,2, saponification index of 188,4, unsaponifiable matter of 8,5 % and free fatty acid content of 9,7 (mg KOH/g). Gas chromatographic analysis of the oil revealed high levels of linoleic acid (66,2%), appreciable amount of linolenic and erucic acids. The residual seed meal contained 35,49% of crude protein and 35,1% of crude fiber. Total and phytic acid phosphorous, calcium, ash, sugar and polisaccharides (non presence of starch) contents are reported.