BRAZILIAN PALM KERNEL OIL CHARACTERIZATION AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION

Abstract

Eleven samples of crude Brazilian palm kernel oil, from Bahia and Para States, were analyzed by physical and chemical indexes. Th iodine, refraction and saponification indexes, the melting point and the unsaponifiable matter content were, in general, within the range considered to be normal. The low content of free fatty acids of 81,8% among the samples analysed, indicated good quality of the oil. It was similar to that of oil from Malaysia, the biggest world producer. The fatty acid composition revealed higher saturation of Brazilian palm kernel oils, due mainly to the high content of lauric acid. Considering the experimental data obtained, it was recommended that the palm kernel oil be included in the Brazilian legal standards, with respect to edible oils and fats.