How do I Remove Oil From Sunflower Seeds?
- 1). Remove the husk and the coating of the seeds with a fanning mill to help separate the seeds from the rest of the plant.
- 2). Clean the seeds with water. The seeds must be cleaned of stones, dust, sand, and chaff because it may clog the oil press or damage the equipment.
- 3). Dry the seeds thoroughly. They may be air dried in a sunny location. Seeds that are moist may become moldy and produce less oil.
- 4). Mash the seeds to a fine powder using a wooden mortar and pestle. Heat the mashed seeds in a pot on the stove to 100 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, or low heat, while stirring the powder. Constantly stir the seeds to prevent them from burning.
- 5). Pour the heated mixture into a mechanical ram press or an expeller.
- 6). Rotate the cap of the expeller, which is connected to a screw that is inside a horizontal cylinder. The rotation will force the seeds to exit through the cylinder as the pressure increases.
- 7). Remove the cap of the expeller. The extracted oil from the seed will drain through small holes in the cylinder to the other end of the container.
- 8). Clean and dry a plastic or glass container to store the sunflower oil.
- 9). Fill the container completely with oil so there is no air space left. Screw the cap on tightly. Keeping the air out is one of the most important ways to prevent the oil from spoiling. Store the container away from direct sunlight and heat.
