Description:

Sunflower oil is a non-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus), commonly used in cooking and as an emollient in cosmetic formulations. It primarily consists of linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated fat) and oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat), with different varieties produced through selective breeding to create oils with varying proportions of these fatty acids. There are four main types of sunflower oils: high-linoleic, high-oleic, mid-oleic, and high-stearic combined with high-oleic. Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E and is typically 100% fat. It can be extracted through chemical solvents like hexane or by expeller pressing, a method that avoids chemical solvents. Cold-pressing is another extraction method that uses low temperatures to preserve the oil. Food Preparation Refined sunflower oil is used for frying, cooking, and in products like sunflower butter and snack foods. Seed Meal The byproduct, seed meal, is rich in protein and fiber and is used as animal feed, fertilizer, or fuel. Supplements Sunflower oil supplements have been marketed for eczema treatment, but research shows they are not effective. As Fuelbr Sunflower oil can be mixed with diesel for use in engines, though it has higher viscosity in cold temperatures. Cosmetics Industry PEG-10 sunflower glycerides, derived from sunflower oil, are used in cosmetic formulations. Horticulture In the EU, sunflower oil is used as a fungicide to control powdery mildew on tomato crops.