Abstract
Drying is one of the traditional means of preserving food. However, various drying methods can influence the nutritional and bioactive constituents of the food product. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of different drying methods on the proximate composition, physicochemical properties, and minor constituents of palm oil fruit mesocarp. Two varieties of fresh oil palm fruit (dura and tenera) were processed to separate the mesocarp from the other part of the fruit. The fresh fruit mesocarp was divided into five groups and subjected to different drying methods. Proximate and physicochemical characteristics of the oil palm fruit mesocarp were determined. The dried mesocarp had low moisture content (1.49-3.28%), high crude fat content (78.10-90.60%), carbohydrate (4.41-15.12%), crude protein (0.93-3.40%), and ash (0.53-1.15%). The free fatty acid (FFA) (1.06-3.54) and acid value (AV) (2.17 to 8.83 mgKOH/g) were lower because the samples were heated at 100°C for 30 min. The lower pH, FFA, AV, titratable acidity, moisture content, and high antioxidant activity of the oil palm fruit products could be an indication of shelf stability against microbial contamination and rancidity.
Highlights
The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), commonly called the African oil palm, is a monocotyledon belonging to the genus Elaeis
The moisture content of all samples was higher than the values 0.14-0.16% and 0.411-0.175% as reported by Udensi and Iroegbu [16] and Ali et al [17] for palm oil, respectively
Food products with high moisture content are prone to microbial attack and spoilage and have limited shelf life [18]
Summary
The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), commonly called the African oil palm, is a monocotyledon belonging to the genus Elaeis. It is a perennial plant and has the highest production per hectare among oil crops, yielding an average of 3.7 tons of oil per hectare per year [1]. The oil palm fruit is a major source of oil for human food use and secondary industrial uses It is an important part of the local nutrition customs and a significant product of global commercial importance. It has been widely introduced throughout the tropics and has recently seen a surge in plantation establishment due to the increased interest in biofuels.
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