Oil cake

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Oil cake is the solid residue that can be removed from various types of oily seeds. The residue is usually extracted by being pressed, removing the oil. Oil cake is valued for being rich in minerals and protein. Their most common use is in animal feed. Among the kinds of seeds that oil cake is obtained from are soybeans, peanuts, linseed, cottonseed, coconuts, and sunflower seeds. However, some specific kinds may be toxic, and are rather used as fertilizer. Even cottonseed contains a toxic pigment, gossypol, that must be removed before processing.[1] There are however, other uses for oil cake. It can also be eaten, for instance in Nepal the oil cake of the Persian Walnut is used for culinary purposes. In addition it is applied to the forehead to treat headaches.[2] In some regions it is used as boiler fuel as a means of reducing energy costs, for which it is quite suitable.[3]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica—oil cake. (URL Accessed June 26, 2006).
  2. ^ Manandhar, Narayan P (April 1, 2002). Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press. ISBN 0-88192-527-6. Page 279.
  3. ^ Clay, Jason W (January 1, 2004). World Agriculture and the Environment. Island Press. ISBN 1-55963-370-0. Page 268.