NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE INDIAN SAFFLOWER CULTIVARS

 G. NAGARAJ

Abstract

Three Indian safflower cultivars were examined for their seed and oil quality characters. The oil content ranged from 26-32% and the protein content from 21-23%. Linoleic acid ranged from 74-78% of the fatty acid composition. Mineral constituents like Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe levels along with the vitamins thiamine, B-carotene and the tocopherols were estimated. The anti-nutrients phenolics, oxalic acid and phytic acids were also studied. Among the three cultivars examined HUS 305 had the highest oil, protein, linoleic acid and thiamine contents. The cultivar A1 had a lower oil content and lower linoleic acid content, but had higher total tocopherols and gamma tocopherol.

Key words:  Seed quality, oil quality, nutrients, anti-nutrients, linoleic acid, safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L.