Canola oil extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide and a commercial organic solvent

Samples of crushed and cooked canola seeds (Okapy Double Zero) were extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) (34.0 MPa and 40.0 °C) and a commercial organic solvent (AW406). Oil solubility was obtained through several stepwise extractions under the conditions of this study, and then three additional extractions were performed to measure fatty acid compositions, iodine values, chlorophyll concentrations and unsaponifiable matter. The yield of SCCO2 extraction was lower than that after extraction with AW406 solvent, due to the incomplete SCCO2 extraction process. Fatty acid composition analysis showed that the SCCO2-extracted oil was slightly higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids and lower in erucic and behenic acids. However, iodine values and unsaponifiable matter did not indicate significant differences (p >0.05) in the two extracted oils. The chlorophyll concentration of SCCO2-extracted oil was lower than that in the AW406 solvent, and as a result, the color of SCCO2-extracted oil was lighter.