Subcritical water extraction was applied as an alternative and greener method for simultaneous removal of oil and water soluble extract (WSE) from sunflower kernels. Extraction kinetics and degree of hydrothermal degradation was studied.
Results show that optimal extraction yield of oil was obtained at 130 C and M/S = 1:20 g/mL after 30 min. Low presence of oil hydrolysis could be observed.
WSE was found to be more susceptible towards hydrothermal degradation of which carbohydrates showed the lowest stability.
Hydrolysis of ester and glycoside bonded antioxidants occurred, which produced oil with much higher antioxidant
capacities than oil extracted using the Soxhlet method.