Sunflower is a major oilseed crop in Türkiye and ranks first in national oil consumption. It is cultivated both domestically and globally in two main types: oilseed and confectionery varieties.

Oilseed sunflower is cultivated specifically for oil production. The primary purpose of this variety is to provide raw material for the food industry and other industrial sectors through the oil extracted from its seeds. Oilseed sunflowers are grown using high-oil-yield varieties and are typically processed in oil production facilities.

Characteristics of Oilseed Sunflower

Oil Content: Typically contains 40–50% oil. This oil is especially rich in healthy fatty acids such as linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and oleic acid.
Processing: Sunflower oil is typically extracted through cold pressing or solvent extraction methods. It is widely used in various applications, especially in salad oils, frying oils, and cooking oils.
Uses: Sunflower oil is utilized not only in the food industry, but also across various sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.