The recent surge in interest in lipid technology has been caused by the need to develop new sources of lipids as conventional ones are depleted. It is also caused by advances in biotechnology and by changes in consumer preference - particularly in the West - away from animal fats for perceived health reasons. This practical book comprehensively reviews methods of improving oil characteristics from existing sources, and the technology and advantages of developing under-utilised sources. The transatlantic team of authors concisely discusses subjects including the improvement and re-use of oil...

Lipids are very important both as components of human nutrition and in applications such as the chemical, cosmetics and food industries. At present the world oil supply depends on conventional sources and changes in the political and economical map of the world may mean consumer demand will surpass supplies. In developed nations consumer preferences due to nutrition and health factors have also created a need to produce new types of oil. Many nations lack the power to purchase fats, and oil due to shortages in hard currency. These nations have a vast number of plants that can be developed and...