Safflower

Safflower is a small market, specialty flowering crop grown for its special edible oil and for use as a popular bird seed. Safflower is said to be produced in some 60 countries, with India producing approximately half of the total amount. The U.S. is among the next group of countries producing commercial amounts of safflower for domestic and export markets. Edible safflower oil is used for cooking, margarine and salad oils. It is also being used as an ingredient in nutritional supplements.
Safflower oil varieties include one variety that is high in oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid), and another that is higher in linolenic (polyunsaturated fatty acid).

A pharmaceutical company has also developed transgenic safflower plants that produce insulin for human medical uses. Safflower oil varieties have also been used in the past in painting products.

MSA companies that source safflower oil include:

Click on the company name for their contact info.