Abstract
With changes in human consumption from animal fats to vegetable oils, the search for seed types, often from unconventional vegetable sources has grown. Research on the chemical composition of both seed and oil for Brazilian Okra in South America is still incipient. In this study, flour and oil from organic Okra seeds (Abelmoschus esculentus L Moench), grown in northeastern Brazil were analyzed. Similar to Okra varieties from the Middle East and Central America, Brazilian Okra has significant amounts of protein (22.14%), lipids (14.01%), and high amounts of unsaturated lipids (66.32%), especially the oleic (20.38%) and linoleic acids (44.48%). Oil analysis through PDSC revealed an oxidation temperature of 175.2°C, which in combination with low amounts of peroxide, demonstrates its resistance to oxidation and favors its use for human consumption.
Highlights
The use of vegetable oils instead of animal fats for human consumption has led to unconventional sources and various seeds
Among the plants used for vegetable oils, Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench, or Hibiscus esculentus Malvaceae) [4], originating in Africa, and traditionally grown in tropical regions, stands out for its rapid growth cycle, easy cultivation, resistance to pests, high yields, and high nutritional value [5]
The results showed similar compositions for Okra oils grown in Central America, yet they were different from those cultivated in India, in which linoleic acid content is quite low
Summary
The use of vegetable oils instead of animal fats for human consumption has led to unconventional sources and various seeds. Vegetable oils have high amounts of unsaturated fatty acid chains yet no trans fats or cholesterol. The nutritional value of various unconventional foods has been evaluated, and as a result the seeds of many plant species have become alternative lipid sources for human consumption [2, 3]. Among the plants used for vegetable oils, Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench, or Hibiscus esculentus Malvaceae) [4], originating in Africa, and traditionally grown in tropical regions, stands out for its rapid growth cycle, easy cultivation, resistance to pests, high yields, and high nutritional value [5]. Its cultivation is widespread in northeastern Brazil for having a very favorable climate, research concerning its oil and seeds is still incipient in Brazil
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