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Physicochemical and quality characteristics of cold-pressed flaxseed oils

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Flaxseed oils currently sold on the worldwide market are not governed by specific standards or specifications. In this study, the physicochemical and quality characteristics of seven cold-pressed flaxseed oils sold in New Zealand have been analyzed. General regulations and specification for edible vegetable oils and cold-pressed oils were used as a guide. Fatty acid composition, tocopherol composition, moisture and volatile matter content, free fatty acids, chlorophyll pigments, total phenolic acids, total flavanoids, acid value, unsaponifiable matter, peroxide value, conjugated dienoic acids, p-anisidine value and specific extinction in the ultraviolet spectrum of the flaxseed oils were measured. Color and dielectric measurement of the flaxseed oils were also estimated using a spectrocolorimeter and a food oil sensor, respectively. The physicochemical characteristics of the flaxseed oils were found to be quite similar with only a few significant variations. Four out of the seven flaxseed oils passed all the quality tests conducted in this study.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)202-211
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Food Composition and Analysis
Volume20
Issue number3-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alpha-linolenic acid
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Food quality
  • Food safety
  • Oil quality
  • Omega-3 fatty acid

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