Variability in oil content and composition and storage stability of seeds from Jatropha curcas L. grown in Mozambique

The high levels of gamma-tocopherol (69-182 mg/kg) may explain the high oxidative stability exhibited by the oil during 6 months of storage at 28 or 35 °C. Conversely, seeds storage under high temperatures and humidity promoted the growth of fungi responsible for oil degradation. Therefore, under tropical climate conditions, when oil conversion to biodiesel is not possible immediately after fruit harvest, it is better to extract the oil and store it under closed containers without contact with oxygen and light, to preserve its quality, than to store the seeds.