PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPRIETIES AND FATTY ACIDS COMPOSITION OF LIPID FRACTION OF SEEDS FROM FOUR VARIETIES OF GUAVA

Abstract

The lipid fraction of seeds from varieties of guava (Psidium guajava, L.) grown at Agricultural Research Company (EPACE) located in Pacajus-Cearã-Brazil, was studied with regard to its chemical characteristics and fatty acid composition. Results indicated that the refractive index, was similar to peanut oil, cottonseed oil and soybean oil. The iodine number and saponification va Lue were similar to peanut oil and cottonseed oil. In regard to the fatty acid composition of the guava seed oil it was interesting to note the high leveI of linoleic acid found in the four varieties studied.