The nutritional value of specialty fats
FOSHAN PHARMA CO., LTD. , https://www.forepharm.com
July 12 09:06:54, 2025
China has a wide variety of oil crops, with rapeseed, soybean, peanut, sunflower seed, and cottonseed being the five major oil crops. Among these, China leads the world in the production of rapeseed and peanuts. In addition to these primary sources, the country also possesses numerous "minor oils"—specialty oils that are not as widely cultivated or produced as the five main crops. These oils typically have smaller planting areas and lower yields, but they are rich in nutrients and offer unique health benefits.
Special oils are derived from specific plant sources and are known for their high content of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acids, which are essential for human health. They also contain various trace elements and bioactive compounds, making them highly nutritious. As a result, specialty oils often command significantly higher prices in the market compared to the more common oils. The development and utilization of these oils, including blended and functional varieties, play an important role in enhancing the edible oil industry, improving economic efficiency, promoting public health, and boosting export revenue.
There are over 100 types of specialty oils in China, many of which are now commercially available. Examples include camellia seed oil, tea seed oil, safflower seed oil, flaxseed oil, grape seed oil, perilla oil, evening primrose oil, walnut oil, almond oil, pumpkin seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, pine nut oil, and tomato seed oil. Additionally, grain-based oils like rice bran oil, corn germ oil, and wheat germ oil are also gaining attention. These oils have unique properties and significant potential for growth, some of which have even been included in national deep-processing projects aimed at developing agricultural by-products.
This article introduces three representative specialty oils—camellia seed oil, safflower seed oil, and rice bran oil—and highlights their nutritional value and importance in the market. It serves as a reference for understanding the health benefits of specialty oils and their growing role in the global food industry.
**1. Camellia Seed Oil**
Camellia trees, commonly known as tea trees, are perennial woody oil crops mainly grown in southern China, especially in Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Zhejiang. The fruit of the Camellia oleifera tree contains seeds that are pressed or extracted to produce camellia seed oil. This oil is clear, flavorful, and rich in oleic and linoleic acids, with the former exceeding 80%. Its composition is similar to olive oil, and it has excellent stability due to its low iodine value. Known as the “Oriental Olive Oil,†it helps prevent vascular sclerosis, hypertension, and obesity when consumed regularly.
**2. Safflower Oil**
Safflower is an annual herb from the Asteraceae family, known for its strong adaptability to different climates and soils. It thrives in harsh conditions and is widely cultivated in Xinjiang, China. Safflower seed oil is one of the richest sources of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid the body cannot produce on its own. It also contains vitamin E and sterols, offering benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and promoting anti-aging effects. Due to its high nutritional value, safflower oil is highly competitive in international markets.
**3. Rice Bran Oil**
Rice bran is a by-product of rice milling and has been used for oil extraction for over 890 years. Although early attempts in China were limited, large-scale production began in the 1950s in cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou. Rich in nutrients, rice bran oil has a balanced fatty acid profile, with approximately 38% linoleic acid and 42% oleic acid, making it nutritionally superior. It also contains natural antioxidants like vitamin E and oryzanol, which contribute to its health benefits. Today, rice bran oil is a popular choice across China, especially in coastal regions.
The processing of these specialty oils follows similar steps to traditional oilseeds, involving refining processes such as degumming, deacidification, bleaching, and deodorization. Some oils, like camellia and rice bran oil, require additional steps like dewaxing and deesterification. These refined oils are now widely available in major cities and are increasingly favored by consumers for their quality and health benefits.
To support the growth of specialty oils, the National Development and Reform Commission included several projects in 2002, such as the deep processing of rice bran oil in Hunan, tea oil in Jiangxi, and safflower oil in Xinjiang, under national demonstration programs. With continued policy support, the future of specialty oils looks promising, offering more diverse and high-quality options for consumers.