Characteristics and composition of newer varieties of indian castor seed and oil

Abstract

Seventeen newer varieties of castor seed grown in different parts of India and the oils extracted therefrom were analyzed. The seed characteristics varied as follows: 100-seed weight, 15.2–30.2 g; 100-seed volume, 15.0–32.5 ml; kernel, 64–75%; oil, 46.0–51.8%; protein, 17.1–24.4%; crude fiber, 18.2–26.5%, and ash, 2.1–3.4%. Oil characteristics were: acid value, 1.0–2.9; saponification value, 176.2–183.7; iodine value, 81.4–88.1, and hydroxyl value, 159.2–167.1. Ricinoleic acid content varied from 87.4% to 90.4%.