RAPESEED: RELATIONS BETWEEN SOME PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L., Brassica campestris L.) was examined for its density, hectoliter weight, porosity, kernel weight, and protein, oil, moisture, and erucic acid content, and iodine value. Inter-relationship and correlations were established between these properties. An increase of from 4 to 10% in moisture content of rapeseed resulted in only a slight decrease in both density and hectoliter weight. Density increased significantly with increase in hectoliter weight. However, in almost all samples, kernel weight was inversely related to density and hence to hectoliter weight. Heavier kernels contained more oil, while the opposite was shown for denser kernels. An inverse relationship was found between hectoliter weight and oil content, showing that low hectoliter weight, usually considered an undesirable property, can actually indicate high oil content. However, low hectoliter weight appears to be associated with low protein content.