Abstract

Central American red pitaya (Hylocereussp.) seeds were studied for their chemical and nutritional traits with particular reference to the fatty acid (FA) profile of the seed oil. Proximate seed composition averaged 352 g/kg, 302 g/kg, 296 g/kg, 206 g/kg, 126 g/kg, and 21 g/kg for total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fat, protein, moisture, and ash, respectively. FA composition of pitaya seed oil determined by GC–MS and quantified by GC-FID was dominated by unsaturated FAs (753 g/kg). Interestingly, linoleic acid was found to be the only polyunsaturated and most abundant FA (466 g/kg), whereas palmitoleic (3 g/kg), oleic (239 g/kg), and cis-11-vaccenic acid (45 g/kg) were the major monounsaturated FAs. Palmitic (182 g/kg), stearic (49 g/kg), and arachidic acid (18g/kg) represented the saturated FA fraction. Iodine absorption value, saponification number and free fatty acid value amounted to 105.6 g I2/100 g, 235.7 mg KOH/g, and 1.9 mg KOH/g, respectively.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.