Abstract
Recently, more attention has been focused on the utilization of food processing by products and wastes, as well as under-utilization agricultural products. Some physical and chemical properties, mineral contents and fatty acid composition of apricot kernel and oils were determined. The oil yields from kernels changed from 42.2% to 57.2%. The crude fibre contents ranged between 4.06% and 7.63%. In addition, crude protein contents ranged between 15.1% and 24.2%. While the peroxide values of kernel oils change between 0.834 meq/Kg and 8.294 meq/Kg, acidity values ranged between 0.279% and 0.700%. The main fatty acids in apricot kernel oils were oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids. Oleic acid contents of kernel oils varied between 53.06% and 70.90%. On the other hand, linoleic acid contents ranged between 21.43% and 35,67%. As a result, the present study showed the apricot kernels of the researched species of apricot kernels from Turkey are a potential source of valuable oil which might be used for edible and other industrial applications.
Highlights
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a member of the Rosaceae family and is widely distributed in most countries of the world
The present study showed the apricot kernels of the researched species of apricot kernels from Turkey are a potential source of valuable oil which might be used for edible and other industrial applications
Kernel weights changed between 0,300 g/unit and 0,576 g/unit (Alyanak cv), Femenia et al [1] had reported that kernels of bitter and sweet apricots collected from Mallorca (Spain) contained oil between 39.7% and 47.2%; 49.8% and 56.1% oil, respectively, In other study, kernel oil contents of almond were determined between 45.9% and 61.7% [13]
Summary
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a member of the Rosaceae family and is widely distributed in most countries of the world. The problems of industrial waste are becoming harder to solve, and much effort will be needed to develop the nutritional and industrial potential of by-products [1]. World apricot production is about 2.5 million ton. Turkey produces about 1/5 of total world apricot production. The one of highest apricot growing location in Turkey is Malatya province [4]. Some fruit seeds such as cherry, apricot, citrus and apple can be used as sources of oils. Large amounts of fruit seeds are discarded yearly at processing plants. This wastes a potentially valuable resource and aggravates an already serious disposal problem. Both oil and meal from these fruits seeds must be utilized [6]
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