Flaxseed Oil QWuality Improves

WINNIPEG - May 21/02 - STAT -- The average oil content of flaxseed exported to date is up over last year, according to the latest monthly export quality data compiled by the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC).

Based on samples covering 385,325 metric tons (MT) of high dockage and 56,749 MT of regular No 1 grade flaxseed, the CGC found oil content so far this season has averaged 41.8% and 44.3% respectively. This compares to the 2000-02 marketing year average of 41.6% for high dockage and 44% for regular No 1 Canada flaxseed.

The biggest change was in the quality of the oil. Palmitic acid content slipped a tenth of a percentage point to 5.3%; while stearic acid rose from an average of 3.2% last year to 3.5% so far this season.

Big gains were recorded in oleic acid content, averaging 19.1% this season, versus 17.9% last season; and in linoleic acid, averaging 15.1% so far this season versus 14.6% last season. Linolenic acid content sank from 58.5% to 56.5%, and iodine values in the oil rose from 0.6 to 0.8%. The percentage of free fatty acids in the oil rose from 0.6% last year to 0.8%.

The protein content of this year's flaxseed shipments is up over last year, averaging 22.9% versus 22.3% for the high dockage cargoes.