The composition of Bactris major kernel and kernel oil

Abstract

The kernel composition, fatty acid composition, and fatty acid distribution in triglycerides of kernel oil from Bactris major palms grown in Nigeria was studied. Lauric acid was the major fatty acid in whole oil and was also the dominant fatty acid in the triglycerides and in the 2-monoglycerides. All the fatty acids present exhibited a preference for the 1-, 3-, positions except for lauric and oleic which showed a preference for the 2-position. Proximate analysis of B. major kernel gave: moisture 6.0%, crude protein 12.7%, oil 21.4%, crude fibre 3.8%, ash 2.6%, and nitrogen free extract 53.5%. Compared with Elaeis guineensis, the kernel of B. major had higher protein content (12.7 vs. 8.5%) and the oil higher linoleic acid content (4.4 vs. 0.5-1.5%).