Chapter 40 - Cold pressed tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) seed oil

Abstract

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world. It has been used in different applications commercially, and therefore tomato processing has a huge by-product and waste potential. Tomato seeds are one of the waste products of the production lines. An alternative and value-added use of these seeds is extraction of oil. Studies show that the tomato plant is considered quite beneficial for human health with its rich bioactive phytochemicals content. Tomato seed oil (TSO) could be obtained using different extraction techniques. In order to protect the bioactive nutrients, especially antioxidants, in tomato seeds, it is important to extract the oil by choosing the cold press method. TSO contains carotenoids such as lycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein. It is also rich in tocopherols, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, sterols, essential fatty acids, triacylglycerols, and policosanols. These components make TSO important for human health, personal care, and nutrition, especially by providing antioxidants. TSO belongs to the oil category of linoleic-oleic acid; it can therefore be considered an edible oil. In addition, with the important phytochemicals content, TSO is used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. This chapter aims to give information about the chemical content, edible and nonedible uses, and health benefits of cold pressed TSOs, which are important for the evaluation of waste products of the tomato industry.