Characterisation and nutritional interest of safou pulp oil

Dacryodes edulis (safou) pulp oil has a high potential in Africa. But oil composition depends on fruit origin and ripening conditions. In the present study, the average safou oil extracted from raw fruits of mixed origin with those produced in the Guinea gulf are compared. The ratio of oil extracted by enzyme methods compared to the same extracted using solvents or press are reported. The level of enzyme extraction by Viscozym L was 42% while the solvent chloroform/methanol (2/1 v/v) gave 42.3% and the Soxhlet 47%. Oil extracted from fresh fruits had the same composition as that described in the Guinea gulf fruits and particularly showed the same PUFA content. Iodine, acidic, and peroxide values were low ranging to 79.6, 2.3 and 3.2, respectively, and fatty acid composition represented 50% saturated, 25% monounsaturated and 25% polyunsaturated. The thermal and rheological properties of safou pulp oil were studied showing a maximum melting point at 15 °C.