Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil pressed from the seeds of
sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Sunflower oil is commonly used in
food as a frying oil, and in cosmetic formulations as an
emollient.
Sunflower oil is primarily composed of linoleic acid, a
polyunsaturated fat, and oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat. Through
selective breeding and manufacturing processes, oils of differing
proportions of the fatty acids are produced.[1] The expressed oil
has a neutral taste profile.[2] The oil contains a large amount of
vitamin E.[2]
As of ***7, genome analysis[3] and development of hybrid sunflowers
to increase oil production are under development to meet greater
consumer demand for sunflower oil and its commercial varieties.