Influence on drying condition on quality properties of rapeseed

Abstract

Interest in rapeseed cultivation for fuel pro- duction purposes is related with possibility of its oil utilization in biofuel production. Need for such production is a result of very fast development of road transport, which, through emission of signifi- cant amounts of CO2, sulphur compounds and numerous heavy metals, contributes to environment pollution. The process of rapeseed natural drying, as well as drying in a dryer, is one of the stages of post-harvest processing which has a significant effect on this plant, especially when its chemical com- position is taken into consideration. The goal of this research was determination of differences in quality characteristics of rapeseed which had undergone natural drying and seeds delivered to Oil Comp. Kruszwica and dried there in raw material dryer, as well as assessment of their usability for biofuel production.