A method of conditioning an oil seed for removal of the hull therefrom for subsequent processing of the meat portion of the oil seed. The method includes a step of passing the oil seed, under the influence of gravity, downwardly through a plenum (26) of an oil seed conditioner (18). A gas is introduced into the conditioner (18), proximate a lower end thereof, through an inlet (32). The gas passes upwardly in a counter-current relationship to the downwardly passing oil seed. A plurality of staves (24) are disposed within the plenum (26) and extend thereacross. Consequently, as the oil seed passes downwardly through the plenum (26) it engages and bounces off the staves (24). Downward movement of the oil seed is retarded by the upward flow of the gas and the staves (24). The impacting of the oil seed against the staves (24) effects loosening of the hulls, and the extended period of time the oil seed is maintained within the plenum (26) facilitates crisping of those hulls.