All elements of the seeds including linters, kernels, and hulls are used in consumer products. The development of the cottonseed industry had its beginning with the invention of the cotton gin in 1793. The cotton gin made large supplies of cotton seed available. One of the most common uses today for cottonseed is cottonseed oil and vegetable oil. Cottonseed oil is extracted from the cottonseed kernel.
Cottonseed oil is used in food products like, candy, potatoes chips and crackers.
Cottonseed oil is also a main ingredient in many marinades, dressings, margarines and prepared foods. Cottonseed is also used as a supplement in cattle feeds as a high energy, high protein nutrient. Linters are the short fibers that cling to the seed. The linters are used for items such as film, currency and cellulose used in foods like ice cream, syrup and gum. Even the hulls surrounding the kernel are used for roughage in the diet of cattle and as an organic mulch for gardening.