Fatty acid compositions of tigernut tubers (Cyperus esculentus L), baobab seeds (Adansonia digitata L), and their mixture

Abstract

Fatty acid profiles and iodine values of tigernut tubers (Cyperus esculentus L.), decorticated seeds of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.), and their mixture (one part of tigernut to three parts of baobab seeds, w/w) were chromatographically and chemically determined. All three samples contained myristic acid as the main saturated acid and oleic acid as the predominant unsaturated acid. Linoleic acid was present in the samples to the extent of 8.8-27.4%, and no other polyunsaturated acids were found. The vegetable oil mixture had the highest level of linoleate, and its possible significance in relation to the intended use in novel food formulation is discussed.