What technologies are used in the extraction of camellia seed oil?
Mechanical pressing extraction (MPE) and solvent extraction (SE) are now the dominant technologies used for the industrial-scale extraction of camellia seed oil, owing to advantages such as low capital investment and easy operation [ 11 ].
What is camellia seed oil used for?
Camellia seed oil is extracted from the seeds of C. oleifera and its related species, such as Camellia chekiangoleosa Hu. After oil extraction, the residual seed cakes can be used as raw materials for preparing animal feeds, organic fertilizers, and biotic pesticides [ 6 ].
Is MPE suitable for extraction of camellia seed oil?
MPE is suitable for extraction from seeds with high oil contents (>25%) [ 71 ]. Nowadays, MPE accounts for the largest market share among the processes used for camellia seed oil extraction in China [ 72 ]. However, MPE is often hampered by low oil yield, and certain amounts of oils are left in the pressed cakes.
What are the uses of camellia seed cakes?
After oil extraction, the residual seed cakes can be used as raw materials for preparing animal feeds, organic fertilizers, and biotic pesticides [ 6 ]. Camellia seed oil is known as “oriental olive oil” because its fatty acid profile is similar to that of olive oil.