Safflower seed oil

Carthamus tinctorius L.

Compositae or Asteraceae

Production of sallower seed for oil has increased greatly in the U.S. during the past 20 years, from about 17,000 acres in 1949 to over 300,000 acres in 1968. The plant is a branching annual with spiny leaves that are nearly as broad as long. Seeds are borne partially exposed in globular heads, with 15 to 50 seeds per head and 1 to 5 heads per plant. Seeds are elongated, 0.25 to 0.33 inch long and a third as much in diameter. The seed contains 32 to 40 percent oil. The seed coats are fibrous, so seeds are decorticated before pressing or putting through expellers to obtain the oil. Most of the oil is used for edible purposes, but it is also comparable to linseed oil for industrial use. The press cake is a valuable high protein feed supplement for cattle, sheep and poultry.