Effect of storage period on physico chemical properties of rapeseeds and oil

The physicochemical parameters of rapeseeds stored under laboratory conditions for up to 3 years were measured by spectroscopic techniques. Humidity, crude fat, sulphur-containing species in seeds and levels of carotenoids and chlorophylls in oils were assigned. For most of the seeds the minimal technological quality requirements were met. Lipid oxidation products in oils were estimated by the levels of the end products of lipid peroxidation. Interestingly, the oxidation of the lipids was not higher in the oils pressed from older seeds. In conclusion, the material stored for a long period is a valuable product for further processing.