R & D
As well as its existing range of products, OSE has an extensive product development programme targeting high quality nutritional EFA products. This is part of the companies ongoing Research and Development programme which focuses on product quality and optimizing the health-giving properties of all our products.
As well as a comprehensive in-house R & D programme, we are working with a number of external research institutions in New Zealand including Lincoln and Massey University.
Examples of current projects include:
- Nutritional benefits of flax seed meal in our diets
- Phytosterols in hemp seed oil
- Health giving properties of seed oils from native New Zealand seeds
- Influence of growing location on the fatty acid profile of selected seed oils
- Organic pesticides from crushed oil seeds
Examples of previous projects include:
- GPSRD. In 2004 OSE conducted research into the useability and edibility of flax seed meal food products. This research looked at toxicology, sensory and taste perception, and the formulation of ingredients for a range of functional foods. The project concluded with the formulation of a range of concept products to be presented to selected marketers and distributors. Examples include protein and EFA bars and Omega 3 smoothies.
- Development of high performing oilseed cultivars for New Zealand growing conditions. OSE has worked closely with its seed supplier Midlands Seed Ltd and the plant breeding company Plant Research Ltd to develop cultivars of various oil seeds that produce targeted results in New Zealand growing conditions. This has focused on seed yield per hectare, oil yield per kg of seed, and optimal quality of this seed oil. Quality examples would include high Omega 3 levels in Flax seed oil or high GLA levels in Borage seed oil.
- Hemp seed production in New Zealand. In combination with Midlands Seed Ltd and Plant Research Ltd, OSE has developed a hemp seed cultivar suitable for New Zealand growing conditions with a resultant high quality hemp seed oil. This has culminated in the establishment of successful hemp seed and hemp seed oil production in New Zealand over the last four years.
