Fatty Acid Composition in the Acorn Oil of Quercus rubra L. Cultivated in NW Turkey

Abstract

Total oil and fatty acid composition in the acorns of Quercus rubra L. was analysed in this study. Total percentage of acorn oil found at the level of 7,41% (dry wt.%). The major fatty acids were oleic (48,25%), linoleic (35,61 %), and palmitic acids (11,22%) respectively. Lower levels in stearic (1,49%) and α-linolenic acids (0,74%) were quantifi ed. The other fatty acids were also detected in minor concentrations. Total percentage of the mono-unsaturated fatty acids was 49,19%. Poly-unsaturated (36,38%) and saturated fatty acids (14,05%) showed relatively lower concentrations. Total unsaturated fatty acids observed at very high level (85,57%). The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated ones was also relatively high (6:1). Characteristic fatty acid pattern in this species may be useful in taxonomy of Quercus as additional chemometric data. The acorn oil contained valuable concentration of linoleic acid as an essential fatty acid with respect to dietary reference intakes of FAO and may be evaluated as alternative co-product for industrial purposes

Keywords

• Quercus rubra, acorn oil, fatty acid, taxonomy, nutrition