safflower oil
Quick Summary
Safflower oil is an edible, drying oil derived from the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctoris). This plant, native to parts of Asia and Africa, produces flowers in various colors and was historically used for its red textile dye, carthamin.12
The primary modern use of safflower is for its oil, which is valued for its high proportion of polyunsaturated fats. It is consumed as salad oil, cooking oil, and in soft margarines. The oil's resistance to yellowing also makes it useful in paints and varnishes. The residue from oil extraction, known as meal, serves as a protein supplement for livestock.2
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