Freeze drying microencapsulated hemp seed oil
Hemp as one of the most versatile plants is widely used to produce a variety of products, from papers and textiles using hemp fibres to hemp protein and flour. However, hemp seed oil is perhaps better known for its valuable composition of highly unsaturated oil, minerals and vitamins. The nutritional quality and health benefits of hemp seed oil result in its extensive use in the food, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries.
Challenges of hemp seed oil production
The quality of hemp seeds determines the quality of the final product, hemp seed oil. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to hemp seeds during harvesting and drying to prolong its shelf life and retain its delicate flavours. The most valuable content of hemp seed oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acid such as omega-6 and omega-3 with high nutritional properties. However, hemp seed oil can become very unstable under high temperatures and subject to oxidation, which decreases the quality of product.
Freeze drying technique
In order to stabilize hemp seed oil and prevent it from oxidation, one of the effective solutions is the freeze-drying technique. Freeze-drying means drying at low temperatures in an inert atmosphere. Combined with microencapsulation of hemp oil, freeze drying can help to achieve oxidation stability and maintain the nutritional values of polyunsaturated fatty acid. As a result, its shelf life can be extended adequately, which benefits hemp oil to be applied in a wide range of food and skin care products. Click here to read more about freeze drying of hemp.