Abstract
In this study, the pumpkin seed oils used were obtained from roasted and unroasted seeds of the two varieties called “Nevşehir Çerçevelisi” and “Ürgüp Sivrisi”, belonging to the species Cucurbita pepo. Oil extraction, from seeds subjected to three different pretreatments (unsalted, dry salted and wet salted) before roasting and sun-dried unroasted seeds, was carried out by means of a screw press. Pumpkin seed oils were analyzed for quality and antioxidant characteristics. The p-anisidine, peroxide and TBARS (thiobarbutiric acid reactive substances) values of oils obtained from sun-dried unroasted seeds and roasted seeds after wet salting process were lower than the other sample groups (p < 0.05). The obtained oils were rich in Zn, Fe, Mg, Se, Ca, K and Na minerals, and palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic fatty acids. In the oils, β + γ tocopherols content ranged from 131.78 to 881.77 mg/kg oil, δ-tocopherol content ranged from 3.22 to 8.67 mg/kg oil. Total phenolic matter content ranged from 1.35 to 3.62 mg gallic acid equivalent (EAG)/g. ABTS+ radical scavenging activity of the oils obtained from sun-dried-unroasted seeds and roasted seeds after wet salting process was determined higher than the other oil samples (p < 0.05).
Highlights
Pumpkin is a member of Cucurbitaceae family, and various cultivars are grown throughout the world
Specific gravity values of the pumpkin seed oils ranged from 0.914 to 0.918, which are within the range reported in the literature for vegetable oils: olive oil (0.910–0.916), rapeseed oil (0.910–0.920), sunflower seed oil (0.918–0.923) and pumpkin seed oil (0.923–0.926) (Nichols and Sanderson, 2003)
The refractive index of saturated fatty acids a linear increase with chain length whereas the refractive index of unsaturated fatty acids increases with the degree of unsaturation
Summary
Pumpkin is a member of Cucurbitaceae family, and various cultivars are grown throughout the world. C. moschata, C. maxima, C. pepo, and C. mixta are the most common commercially important species (Saucedo-Hernandez et al, 2011; Prevc et al, 2013). C. moschata is the most important cultivar in Tropical America. It has spread in central America and Mexico and these areas have become the center of variety. The origin of C. maxima, which is considered to be one of the oldest cultivars, is South America.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
