Meadowfoam oils

Extracted from the seeds of meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba), these oils carry a high proportion of very-long-chain fatty acids — over 20 carbons — including types found in no other oil. They show remarkable oxidative stability and can raise the stability of other vegetable oils when blended in. Breeding of low-erucic-acid lines has opened the door to food uses for meadowfoam oils, which have also served as plasticisers in chewing gum. Their unusual monounsaturated profile fits speciality food, lubricant and cosmetic applications; food-grade oil must meet purity specifications controlling contaminants, oxidation products and erucic acid within regulatory limits.