Solvent fractionation of high oleic–high stearic (HOHS) sunflower oil was studied to determine the best
solvent to use (hexane or acetone) in terms of the operational parameters and properties of the final
stearins. Acetone fractionation on two types of HOHS sunflower oils (N17 and N20) was carried out at
temperatures from 5 to 10C using micelles with different oil/solvent ratios. Acetone was more suitable
than hexane as a solvent for HSHO sunflower oil fractionation because it allowed the oil to be fractionated
at higher temperatures and at lower supercooling degrees. Likewise, a sunflower soft stearin obtained by
dry fractionation of HOHS sunflower oil was also used to produce high-melting point stearins by acetone
or hexane fractionation. The fractionation of these stearins could be performed at higher temperatures
and gave higher yields. The combination of dry and solvent fractionation to obtain tailor-made stearins
is discussed