Seed Storage Indicates the High Stability of Babaçu Oil (Attalea vitrivir Zona)

Abstract

Because the babaçu palm (Attalea vitrivir) has been considered for incorporation into programs of biofuel production, in this work we evaluated the influence of the geographic origins and storage conditions of babaçu palm seeds on the quantity and quality of their extracted oils. Seeds harvested from three different areas were stored for 12 months under natural environmental conditions (mean temperature 25 ºC), under refrigeration (4 ºC), or in a freezer (-20 °C). We determined their water and oil contents, acidity and peroxide levels, refractive indices, and their fatty acid profiles. The original water content of the seeds was 4.9%, becoming reduced by half during storage. Oil represented 53% of the seed weight, with lauric acid predominating throughout storage. The seed oil demonstrated high oxidative stability, with low levels of acidity and peroxide formation, independent of seed origin or storage conditions. The high quality of Attalea vitrivir oil and its stability confirm its potential for agroindustrial use.