Metal Content and Physicochemical Parameters Used as Quality Criteria in Virgin Argan Oil: Influence of the Extraction Method

Abstract

Metal content was determined in 26 samples of virgin argan oil from Morocco. An ETA-AAS with previous sample dilution with MIBK technique was used. In oil obtained by traditional method, Fe ranged from 0.8 to 4.0 mg/kg, Cu from 160.4 to 695.7 microg/kg, Cr from 10.3 to 55.3 microg/kg, Mn from 18.1 to 70.8 microg/kg, and Pb from 28.5 to 450.0 microg/kg. In oil obtained by a half-industrialized method, Fe ranged from 0.8 to 1.7 mg/kg, Cu from 158.4 to 385.0 microg/kg, Cr from 10.0 to 48.1 microg/kg, Mn from 15.0 to 68.5 microg/kg, and Pb from 32.0 to 100.0 microg/kg. Acidity value, peroxide index, K270 and K232, humidity and sludge volatile, and insoluble sludges in petroleum ether were also determined. A high variability in these quality parameters and a decrease of the quality in the oils obtained by the traditional method were observed.

Influence of Argan Kernel Roasting-time on Virgin Argan Oil Composition and Oxidative Stability

“…We also evidenced the necessary elimination of goat-peeled argan fruit from the oil preparative process [9,10]. Finally, it has been shown that argan oil prepared from mechanically pressed kernels presents a better profile than hand-pressed oil, in terms of chemical composition [11,12], taste, and preservation [9,12]. Argan kernel roasting also deserves attention because it induces pleasant hazelnut aroma and taste that transfer to the oil during extraction [10].…”

Assessing the bioavailability of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of extra virgin argan oil by simulated digestion and Caco-2 cell assays. Comparative study with extra virgin olive oil

“…In order to check the quality and appropriate conservation of the oil samples, the acid value (expressed as percentage of oleic acid), the peroxide index (expressed as milli-equivalents of active oxygen per kg of oil) and the K 270 extinction coefficient (calculated from absorption at 270 nm using a Perkin-Elmer Lambda 25 UV/VIS spectrophotometer, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA) were measured, following the analytical methods of the Commission of the European Communities (2003) as described elsewhere (Marfil et al, 2008).…”

Effect of containers on the quality of Chemlali olive oil during storage

“…Unsaturated lipids are particularly susceptible to oxidation during processing and storage via autoxidation and photosensitized oxidation (Marfil et al 2008).…”