The oil from meadowfoam seed has unique chemical properties that make it one of the most stable vegetable oils known. Research and development of meadowfoam began in the late 1950s as the result of a USDA search for plants that might provide a renewable source of raw materials for industry. Commercial development began in 1980 on an experimental 35 acre farm scale operation in Oregon. However, the lack of consistent funding has slowed the development of both the agronomic and the oil utilization aspects of this unique renewable oil resource. Meadowfoam oil contains three previously unknown long chain fatty acids.
Rapeseed oil is slightly more saturated than meadowfoam oil.
Meadowfoam oil can be chemically transformed into a liquid wax ester that is a substitute for sperm whale oil and jojoba oil. Meadowfoam oil can also be converted to a light colored premium grade solid wax, a sulfur polymer factice potentially valuable to the rubber industry, or used as a lubricant, detergent or plasticizer. Potential industrial applications for meadowfoam oil are currently being researched by USDA-ARS at the New Crops Research Center in Peoria, Illinois. After the oil is removed by crushing the seed and utilizing a solvent extraction process, the remaining meal may be used as a feed source. Use of the meal for other livestock may require steam cooking or using a lower percentage of meal in the total feed supply.