Technology for extraction of wild apricot (chulli) oil at cottage scale

Abstract

Wild as well as cultivated apricot stones/seeds otherwise thrown as waste can be utilized for extraction of oil for both edible and pharmaceutical purpose. The use of mechanical decorticator, specific gravity separation, table oil expeller and oil filter press not only improves the efficiency of oil extraction, but is also quite cost-effective. Extraction of such oils may also open an avenue for their utilization in various preparations such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, facial creams and lip balms besides its use in the food industry. Thus the establishment of oil extraction unit at cottage scale seems to be quite a profitable venture. Besides, these units can also be used for oil extraction from traditional crops like sarson, rapeseed, lentil, almond etc, thus making the unit commercially viable venture. This not only supplements processor’s income but also helps in checking environmental pollution.