Oiticica oil is a light-yellowish oil obtained from the seeds of oiticica tree (Microdesmia rigida) which grows mainly in Brazil.[2]
Extraction and appearance
editOiticica oil is generally obtained from the kernels by crushing, pressing and expelling at high temperatures (210-220 °C) to prevent its polymerization. The raw oil is yellowish, turning brown after oxidation. It has also an unpleasant smell and taste, which limits its use in food and cosmetics applications.[3]
Usage
editOiticica oil is used in industrial oil paints and varnishes as a substitute for tung oil, either alone or mixed with linseed oil and sesame oil to achieve even better results.[3][4]
Composition
editThe fat components of oiticica oil are polyunsaturated α-licanic acid (46 – 78% of total), saturated fat mainly palmitic and stearic acids (together, 11%), monounsaturated as oleic acid (4 – 12%).[2][3]
References
edit- ^ Duke, James A. (2000-11-10). Handbook of Nuts: Herbal Reference Library. CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-8493-3637-9.
- ^ a b Gunstone, Frank D.; Harwood, John L.; Padley, Fred B. (1994-07-21). The Lipid Handbook (2 ed.). CRC Press. p. 79. ISBN 978-0-412-43320-7.
- ^ a b c Krist, Sabine (2020), Krist, Sabine (ed.), "Oiticica Oil", Vegetable Fats and Oils, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 505–508, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-30314-3_80, ISBN 978-3-030-30314-3, S2CID 241459737
- ^ "Oiticica oil - CAMEO". cameo.mfa.org. Retrieved 2020-09-04.