Castor Seeds
Castor Seeds – A Versatile and Medicinal Seed
Castor seeds are obtained from the Ricinus communis plant, a fast-growing shrub native to Africa and Asia. These seeds are primarily used for extracting castor oil, which has applications in medicine, cosmetics, industry, and agriculture.
Despite their many benefits, raw castor seeds contain ricin, a toxic compound, making them unsafe for direct consumption. Castor oil, however, is processed to remove toxic components, making it a valuable product in various industries.
Castor seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality. The extracted oil has a long shelf life but should be kept in airtight containers away from direct sunlight to prevent rancidity.
Nutritional Benefits
Castor seeds are rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, including:
- Ricinoleic Acid – The primary fatty acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Healthy Fats – A high percentage of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
- Protein – Contains essential amino acids needed for various bodily functions.
- Vitamin E – Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
- Minerals – Contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium, which support overall health.
Nutritional Value of Castor Seeds (Per 100g)
- Energy: 570 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Total Fats: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 28g
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 5mg
- Magnesium: 250mg
- Phosphorus: 500mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Vitamin E: 2mg
- Ricinoleic Acid: 85% (Primary component of castor oil)
1. Physical & Chemical Properties of Cumin Seeds:-
| PROPERTIES | VALUES & LIMITS |
|---|---|
|
Scientific Name |
Ricinus communis |
|
Family |
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family) |
|
Shape & Size |
Oval, bean-shaped (8-12 mm) |
|
Color |
Brown, mottled, or grayish-black |
|
Aroma |
Mild, oily scent |
|
Taste |
Bitter and toxic (not for consumption) |
|
Moisture Content |
≤ 7% |
|
Essential Oil Content |
45% – 55% |
|
Major Active Compounds |
Ricinoleic Acid, Ricin (toxic), Ricinin
|
|
Protein Content |
18% – 20% |
|
Ash Content |
≤ 5% |
|
Impurities |
≤ 0.5% |
All Castor Seeds
2. Export & Shipping Details:-
| Mode of Transport | Packaging Type |
|---|---|
|
Domestic Distribution |
PP Bags, PET Pouches, Paper Boxes
|
|
Bulk Export (Sea Freight) |
25kg – 50kg Jute or PP Bags, Fumigated Pallets |
|
Retail Export (Air Freight) |
Vacuum-sealed pouches or glass jars |
|
Container Load (20ft FCL) |
Can accommodate approx. 12-14 metric tons of cumin seeds |
|
Container Load (40ft FCL) |
Can accommodate approx. 24-26 metric tons of cumin seeds |
Final Thoughts:-
Castor seeds are one of the most valuable oilseeds, widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and industries. While the raw seeds contain toxic compounds and should not be consumed, castor oil, once processed, offers numerous benefits, including improved digestion, skin nourishment, and industrial applications.