Hempseed Oil Quality Parameters: Optimization of Sustainable Methods by Miniaturization

Abstract

Industrial Hemp, Cannabis sativa L., is characterized by low content of THC (<0.2%). An edible oil with excellent nutritional proprieties is obtained from cold pressing of hempseed. Since Hempseed oil is not reported in a Regulation yet, in order to ensure quality parameters, it is necessary to optimize standard methods (taken from the Regulation for EVOO). In this work, the standard method of quality parameters (free fatty acidity, peroxide number, and anisidine number) were miniaturized and optimized for Hempseed oil matrix. The miniaturized methods result in being sustainable, in environmental and economical perspectives, by using a smaller amount of chemicals (e.g., reagents, solvents), also reducing waste production and the sample needed in relation to the high cost of the Hempseed oil (60–70 €/L). The standard methods of miniaturization, carried out by using the Central Composite Design, allow for great saving of sample (5.35 g vs. 29 g) and reagents (up to 50%).