Abstract

CAMPOS-HERNANDEZ, N; CRUZ-CASTILLO, JG; HERNANDEZ-MONTES, A  and  RUBIO-HERNANDEZ, D. Persea schiedeana oil of over-mature fruit harvested from wild trees. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2011, vol.27, n.2, pp.179-189. ISSN 0186-2979.

The chemical and sensory characteristics of the oil of over-mature fruit of Persea schiedeana, harvested from wild trees, were studied. The extraction of the oil with isopropanol and hexane had a yield of 12% oil/pulp (v/w). The P. schiedeana oil was compared with commercial olive and avocado oils. The P. schiedeana oil had less double binds and more long chain fatty acids than the olive and avocado oils. The acidity and peroxide indices indicated that the slight oxidation of the oil is within the allowed level. The content of tocopherols was determined using HPLC. The P. schiedeana oil had a lower amount of a-tocopherol, but the concentration of the γ and δ tocopherols was similar to that of the olive and avocado oils. However, the P. schiedeana oil presented the lowest total antioxidant activity when analysed with a DPPH test (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), which determined the total capacity of the oils to trap free radicals. With a descriptive panel, the P. schiedeana oil was described as having an avocado, herbal and lemon aroma, and an odour of ethanol and adhesive. This oil had a lower residual oil sensation than the olive and avocado oils.

Keywords : Vegetable oils; fruit oils; uses of Mesoamerican fruit; DPPH; tocopherols.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )