Characterization of Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil was characterized to assess the usefulness in the food industry. Among the various oils, the initial antioxidant activity was the highest for grape seed oil. Heating the oil at $180^{\sim}C$ for 20 min retained 86% of the initial activity. Grape seed and sesame oils showed a low peroxide value, about 2, implying a less oxidative reaction. The oxidation of grape seed oil was increased to a less extent by heat-treatment than other oils. Light exposure for 1 month resulted in a slight decrease in the antioxidant activity of grape seed oil, maintaining 96% of the initial activity. Other oils were all light-susceptible and the activities decreased significantly. The peroxide values of all the oils increased by light exposure, but the extent of oxidation was still the least for grape seed oil. The addition of grape seed oil to perilla oil was very effective, in that the peroxide value was 5-times decreased by 1 : 5 composition of grape seed oil versus perilla oil. These results indicate that grape seed oil can be used as a good cooking oil or an additive for other oils.