Here¡¯s what you need to know about processing corn germ to capitalize on the commercial value of its oil. Whole corn kernels only contain a small amount of fat, around 5% by weight. But the germ that remains after the starch is removed through wet processing can contain up to 50% oil by weight.
How to extract oil from corn germ?
Various organic solvents and water have been used for the extraction of corn germ oil. The most common commercial process for obtaining oil from corn germ is extraction by n -hexane because of its high extraction efficiency and low process cost.
Is corn germ hard to process?
But because corn germ can be notoriously tough to process, it requires the right extraction equipment to press oil efficiently to get optimal returns. Here¡¯s what you need to know about processing corn germ to capitalize on the commercial value of its oil. Whole corn kernels only contain a small amount of fat, around 5% by weight.
Can a high-shear extrusion system extract oil from corn germ?
As technologies continue to advance, high-shear extrusion systems may offer a more efficient alternative for extracting oil from wet processed corn germ. Extrusion systems like the Anderson Dox? Extruder eliminate the need for separate steam heating and drying steps required in traditional stack cooking vessels.