Should Sunflower Seeds be Shelled before Oil Pressing?

Sunflower seeds are a popular source of oil due to their high content of healthy fats and nutrients. However, there is some debate over whether or not the seeds should be shelled before oil pressing.

Generally speaking, a small oil press with a daily processing capacity of less than 20 tons is used for family workshops. This type of oil press is a one-time press and is very simple to operate. When it comes to sunflower seeds, the common practice is to not shell them before pressing the oil.

However, when it comes to larger production processes of over 20 tons per day, a different approach is taken. The sunflower seeds are first subjected to pretreatment, which involves hulling and crushing them. This process helps to separate the hulls from the seeds and improves the efficiency of oil extraction. Once the pretreatment is complete, the seeds are pre-pressed to extract as much oil as possible before undergoing a leaching process. The leaching process involves using solvents to extract any remaining oil from the seeds. Finally, the oil undergoes refining and filling before being packaged for sale.

So, which approach is best for your needs? If you are operating a small family workshop and only require a small amount of oil each day, then pressing the seeds without shelling them may be the most efficient method. However, if you are operating a larger production process and require a higher yield of oil, then shelling the seeds before pressing them may be necessary.

It’s also worth noting that shelling sunflower seeds can be a time-consuming process, so it may not be practical for smaller operations. Additionally, some people prefer to consume sunflower seeds with their shells intact due to their high fiber content and other health benefits.

In conclusion, whether or not to shell sunflower seeds before oil pressing depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which method is best for your business and customers.