Origin of safflower seed oil:
As early as the Jin Dynasty, Zhang Hua wrote in “Bowuzhi” that safflower in the Central Plains was “planted by Zhang Qian in the Western Regions”, which shows that it was one of the products on the Silk Road (the origin of safflower is Xinjiang).
“Miscellaneous Diseases” in the Eastern Han Dynasty stated: “Sixty-two kinds of wind in women are stabbing pain in the qi and blood in the abdomen, and red and blue flower wine is the main treatment.” “Compendium of Materia Medica” said that it can “activate blood circulation, moisturize dryness, relieve pain, disperse swelling, and regulate menstruation.”
Today, Xinjiang ranks first in the country in terms of the area and output of safflower cultivation, among which the thornless safflower grown in Tacheng area is a high-quality and superior safflower variety. The oil yield of safflower seeds is extremely low, so the output of safflower seed oil is very small. Compared with safflower with thorns on the stem, the seeds of thornless safflower are larger and fuller, and the oil yield is high, and the content of linoleic acid is also higher than that of thorny safflower.
In recent years, safflower seed oil has rapidly occupied the oil market at a considerable speed. The comprehensive reason is that the main components of safflower seed oil are linoleic acid, natural VE, flavonoids and other active substances. It is jointly recommended as the “No. 1 Oil in the World” by the three authoritative organizations of the United Nations: 1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO, 2. World Health Organization WHO, 3. World Safflower Conference TISC. Traditional oils can only provide food and clothing, but safflower seed oil can be eaten for health. The oil squeezed from safflower seeds is yellow in color, fragrant in taste, and clear in liquid. The linoleic acid content is as high as about 83%, ranking first in the world. It can be called the “king of linoleic acid” and is the best edible oil. Regular consumption of safflower oil can prevent atherosclerosis and treat hypertension, stroke, heart failure, angina pectoris and other diseases. Safflower seed oil is rich in natural vitamin E, with an average content of about 800mgDL, which is the highest content among all plants. Therefore, safflower is known as the “crown of vitamin E”. The vitamin E in safflower seed oil is pure natural and life-active natural vitamin E. Vitamin E is a very strong reducing agent with strong antioxidant effect. It also has anti-aging effect, which can revitalize aging and aged cells and tissues. Vitamin E is a nutrient that can improve human immunity, eliminate free radicals and prevent cancer.
Here are some ways to distinguish “real and fake” safflower seed oil to avoid being deceived;
Antifreeze and cold resistance
The less saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids the oil contains, the lower its freezing point. It is generally necessary to freeze it in the refrigerator. Fake safflower seed oil will solidify after being frozen in the refrigerator; real safflower seed oil is viscous and will not freeze in the refrigerator for a day and a night. Real safflower seed oil has better antifreeze properties. After minus 20, it will slowly become viscous, but it will not completely solidify. The reason why it will not completely solidify is that its linoleic acid content is above 78%, which can basically be said to be all linoleic acid. The oil content is low, especially trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids, which are almost 0.
Afraid of heat and light
Safflower seed oil should be kept away from light and at low temperature. The reason is that linoleic acid is resistant to low temperatures, so it is relatively afraid of high temperatures. If you use safflower seed oil to cook, you should pay attention to the temperature not exceeding 255℃, and the heating time should not be too long. It is best to heat the food and oil together. Safflower seed oil is also afraid of direct sunlight, so that linoleic acid is directly decomposed. It is best to keep it in a cool place away from light at low temperature. The best environment is to store it in a refrigerator.
Penetration test
You can evenly apply safflower seed oil and ordinary cooking oil, olive oil and other cooking oils on the back of your hand. You can find that safflower seed oil is quickly absorbed by the skin (about 10-15 minutes), and there is no greasy feeling, so there is no need to wash it with hand sanitizer.
