Comparative Study on Output and Chemical Composition of Argan Oils Extracted from Fruits of Different Regions in the Southwest of Morocco

Abstract

The argan oil was extracted from the kernels of oval-shaped fruits, collected from three different regions in the Southwest of Morocco (Aït Melloul, Argana and Tamanar).The output of oil extraction was similar in the fruits of the three regions (about 58%), in which the kernels weight was considered. However a significant difference between the three types of oils was noted when the extraction yield was related to nuts weight. In fact, the oil production was superior in the Aït Melloul fruits (12.22 kg/100 kg) than in those of Tamanar (10.12 kg/100 kg) and Argana (7,69 kg/100 kg). The concentration of saturated fatty acids (Palmitic and stearic acid) was similar in the three oils. Moreover, significant differences were noted in concentrations of unsaturated oleic and linoleic acids. In Argana oil, the oleic acid concentration was higher (49.23%; p<0.05) than in Tamanar oil (42.78%; p<0.05). However, a greater content of linoleic acid was found in the oil extracted from Tamanar fruits (37.45% p<0.05) compared to that obtained from Argana fruits (30.87%; p<0.05). In addition, the study showed differences on the antioxidants composition in the three oils. The content of tocopherols was higher in the oil of Ait Melloul (1410.95 mg/kg) than in those of Argana (1102.02 mg/kg) and Tamanar (910.45 mg/kg). Regarding to the phospholipids, the value was higher in Argana (0.56%) than in Tamanar (0.41%) and Ait Melloul (0.29%).

Keywords: Argan oil, fatty acids, fruits, output, phospholipids, tocopherols