CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE CINCO VARIEDADES DE GIRASSOL CULTIVADAS NO BRASIL

Abstract

The oil quality indices of five varieties of sunflower seeds cultivated in Brazil were determined. The composition of integral and dehulled seeds was determined and the oil present in the samples was extracted with light petroleum. The dark color observed in the meal of all varieties denotes the presence of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in the seeds. The darkening of the water was also observed during the stage of classification of kernels by flotation, indicating that CGA is partially removed in aqueous media. The acidity of oils from integral and dehulled seeds showed a significative difference probably due to the high content of CGA in the integral seeds. Dehulled seeds produced better quality oils. The M737 variety is not recommended for industrial application without pretreatment for removing the hulls due to the high acidity of the oil obtained from integral seeds. The oil quality indices exhibited small differences among the varieties. The higher content of monounsaturated fatty acids was observed in M737 and DK180 oils, respectively 42 and 40%. The E-122-V2000 seems to be the most promising variety for industrial processing due to its highest content of kernels (61%) and high quantity of oil (39.41 %). Therefore, it would be the preferable variety but its productivity, 1208 kg/ha according to Embrapa Soja, is comparatively low.