FOOD SCIENCE AND PROCESSING 3 (2+1)

Lesson 13 : Nuts and Oil Seeds

Oilseed cakes

Oilseeds produced in the country are mostly used for oil extraction. The meal obtained after extraction of the oil from the seed is richer in protein than the seed itself as fat is removed.

Oilseed cake is mostly used for cattle feed. Oilseed proteins are of inferior quality. They arev deficient in amino acid methionone but rich in lysine. Sesame seed proteins are rich in methionine. Because of their high-lysine content, oilseed meals are used with cereals. Combination of these two substances gives rise to a good quality protein and is used as a weaning food for children.

The unpopularity of oil cake is due to the fact it has poor keeping quality and tends to deteriorate rapidly. The kernels used for oil extraction should be free from mud and hence it is heat treated prior to extraction.