Changes in composition and quality of sunflower oils during extraction anddegumming

The influence of different stages of processing on composition and quality of crude sunflower oil was studied through the determination of fatty acids , metal and phosphorus contents, free fatty acids, peroxide and anisidine v alues, tocopherols, polar compounds, waxes and oxidative stability. No sign ificant changes in the content of individual fatty acids and tocopherols we re observed during processing. The composition of some minor constituents a s metals, waxes and phospholipids was strongly affected by the extraction a nd water degumming processes. Sunflower oils obtained by hexane extraction presented a higher initial deterioration but also a higher oxidative stabil ity than oils obtained by pressing.