Camelina processing: experience in Italy (OK-Net EcoFeed Practice abstract)

Summary

Regional production of Camelina cake, to be used as animal feed. A new crop to be included into Northern Italy crop rotations, fitting organic farming practices and diversification needs. A high value product, oil, for use in food, cosmetics and nutraceuticals.
Camelina from organic cropping systems, in the Northern Italy environment, is sown in October and harvested in May/June. At harvesting time two types of problems can occur: a) weed pressure is high and it is hard to separate the small camelina seeds from other plant material; b) if harvested in wet weather condition a high moisture content can cause storage problems.
For high quality products, oil and cake, the following key points from harvest onwards should be considered:
• if possible wait for a dry week to harvest (Camelina siliqua – seed pods – do not open easily)
• if available use a harvester for alfalfa seed, otherwise use a combine harvester for wheat at low speed and, preferably, with straw separation
• if there is a high presence of other materials select the product with sifters and, if available, with optic tools
• if the seeds have a high moisture content, dry immediately, to avoid fermentation processes that reduce the quality of the seeds and, as a consequence, of the oil and cake
• oil extraction by pressure and at low temperatures preserves all nutritional components (tocopherols etc.) valuable for feed, food, and cosmetic use.