Description
Safflower - A Valuable Raw Material for Industry and Animal Nutrition
Safflower is a plant with versatile uses, especially valued for its grain, which is mainly used for oil pressing and as bird food. The cakes and green parts of the plant serve as animal feed. Safflower is known for its high resistance to difficult conditions, including low temperatures down to -4°C and long-term droughts, making it an ideal choice for cultivation in regions with low rainfall and high sunlight.
Application of Safflower:
- Oil pressing: Safflower seeds contain over 30% fat, making them ideal for producing oil rich in valuable fatty acids, vitamins F and E, and phytosterols that support heart health and the immune system.
- Bird food: Safflower seeds, strikingly similar to sunflower seeds, are a valuable food for birds, especially pigeons and parrots. Regular consumption of safflower supports the healthy appearance of birds' plumage, intensifying their natural colors, especially the saturation of red.
- Animal feed: The cakes left after pressing the oil and the green parts of the safflower plant are a valuable source of nutrients for farm animals.
Why Is It Worth Growing Safflower?
- Drought resistance: Safflower thrives in low-humidity conditions, making it an excellent choice for farmers in low-rainfall regions.
- Low temperature: The plant can survive frosts down to -4°C, which increases its versatility in cultivation in areas with diverse climates.
- Rich in fat: The over 30% fat content in the seeds makes safflower a valuable raw material for oil pressing and the production of high-calorie bird food.