Abstract
Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a good source of vegetable oil in tropical America. Its fruits are highly suitable for biodiesel, cosmetics and food production owing to the high quality of its oil. However, the influence of maturity and harvest region on the quality of oils is not known. Thus, the chemical composition and physicochemical properties oils extracted from the macauba palm fruit at two regions of Minas Gerais and different maturity stage were investigated. C16:0 and C18:1 were the most abundant fatty acids in the mesocarp oil. C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, and C18:1 prevailed in the kernel oil. The High-Resolution Gas Chromatography analysis revealed triacylglycerols (TGs) with equivalent carbon numbers (CN) ranging between 28 and 54. TGs composed of long-chain fatty acids prevailed in the mesocarp oil (CN52 and CN54). On the other hand, the kernel showed a more complex lipid profile, containing TGs with CN between 30 and 54. The lipid content in the oils increased significantly with the ripening of the fruit and the harvest regions. Furthermore, changes in physicochemical properties were observed for both oils depending on the stage of maturity and harvest point. Macauba oils can be used in several industries, such as food and cosmetics. Thus, for its best use, the physicochemical properties of greatest interest should be evaluated in order to identify the ideal cultivation region and maturity stage.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
