Abstract
Almond oil (AO) has both food and non-food uses, but the most profitable niche market is its non-food applications for cosmetic (Skincare, Body oil, Hair oil, Soap). In the last decade, two almond varieties Ferragnes and Ferraduel, with the dominance of Ferragnes, became to be crucial due to their suitability to the agro-ecological conditions of some regions of almond production in Morocco. This study focuses on characterization of AO of Ferragnes, which is the main cultivar among foreign almond varieties introduced in eastern Morocco. Chemical parameters’ fatty acid (FA) composition, minor compounds mainly tocopherols and phenols were analyzed, and the oxidative stability (OSI) of AO related to their shelf life was determined. Results show low acidity (0.38%) and low peroxide value (1.92 meq/kg). FA profile shows predominance of unsaturated FA principally oleic acid (C18:1; 68.9 %) and linoleic acid (C18:2; 21.88%). Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and phenol contents are, respectively, 456.43 mg/kg and 138 mg/kg. In addition, due to its richness in natural antioxidants, this oil exhibits high oxidative stability (OSI = 24.09 h); thus, these results prove the high quality of Ferragnes AO that can be recommended as edible oil, but notably for cosmetic applications which are more profitable.
Highlights
Almond trees (Prunus amygdalus Dulcis) are species native to Western Asia
Phenol contents were determined according to the method described by Ollivier et al [7] and slightly modified by Mansouri et al [8]. 5 g of almond oil was added to 5-mL of a methanol/water solution (80/ 20. v/v), after 10 min of mixing the small vials of liquids in a quickly oscillating circular motion using a vortex, the mixture oil-methanol was centrifuged at 3800 rpm for 15 min
Results observed for Ferragnes almond oils (Table 1) show low acidity (0.38%) and low peroxide value (1.92 meq/kg), which indicate good quality of analyzed almond oils
Summary
Almond trees (Prunus amygdalus Dulcis) are species native to Western Asia. Often Iran and surrounding countries are mentioned as origin areas, but currently, almond trees are widely cultivated elsewhere. Due to its rusticity and its adaptation to drought climate, the almond tree has become the main tree nut in the Mediterranean area. It is a profitable crop that could be cultivated in very poor soils; the production will be as much higher as better the pedoclimatic conditions. The grown varieties are the result of a combination of human and natural selection [1]. Several studies have shown that the consumption of nuts is beneficial for the health and it has positive effects against many pathologies such as hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome [2, 3]
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