NIGER SEEDS

Niger seeds (Guizotia Abyssinica Cass) are cultivated as an oil seed crop, the seeds yielding about 30% of clear, excellent, edible oil which is slow-drying, used in foods, paints, and soaps, and as an illuminant. It is used as a substitute for olive oil, can be mixed with linseed oil, and is used as an adulterant for rape oil, sesame oil, et al. Niger Seeds are also fried and be prepared for condiments. The plant itself is an erect, stout, branched annual herb, grown for its edible seeds and oil. Cultivation for the plant originated in the Ethiopian highlands, and has since spread from Malawi to India.

Characteristics

• Niger seeds are in terrestrial habitat. The seeds resemble sunflower seeds in shapes, but smaller in size and has black colour.
• Niger seeds bear a fairly thick, adherent seed coat and can be stored for up to a year.
• Niger seed contains proteins, oil and soluble sugars.

Uses

Used for human consumption with its high fiber nutrient, however they are also used for wild bird feeding, industrial purposes such as soap making, paints preparations and preparation of different types of emulsions.