Abstract Wheat germ is a valuable by-product of the wheat milling process, represents 10-15% lipid contents with other bioactive compounds. Various wheat germ oil (WGO) recovery methods have been adopted, including mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction.
How to recover wheat germ oil?
Various wheat germ oil (WGO) recovery methods have been adopted, including mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. Some modifications reported by different experimental studies to enhance the oil yield retain the nutritional attributes of fresh oil.
Why is germ removed during the milling process?
During the milling process of wheat, its germ is removed to increase the shelf-stability of flour, which can be compromised by the rapid degradation of germ due to the presence of enzymes (i.e., lipoxygenase and lipase) and a high content of easily oxidised unsaturated oils.
Why is wheat germ important?
Wheat germ is valuable by product of the milling industry. Wheat germ separation is a crucial step for its valorization. Suitable processing may preserve and prolong wheat germ quality. Process optimization can provide a functional ingredient.