Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Fruits, Nuts, Kernels and Oils of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) from Three Locations in Northern Cameroon: Industrial Potential

The objective of this work is to study the food and technological potential of Balanites aegyptiaca through the physico-chemical properties of fruits, nuts, kernels and oils in the northern zone of Cameroon (Garoua, Maroua and Kousseri). The fruits, nuts and kernels were characterized. The physico-chemical properties of kernels and oils were determined by standardized methods. The kernel mass to fruit mass ratio is 11.67% for the samples from Garoua, 11.12% for those from Maroua and 13.40% for those from Kousseri. The oil content is higher than 44% regardless of the provenance of the kernels. The acid index values (1.21±0.07 mg KOH/g of oil for Maroua, 1.25±0.09 mg KOH/g of oil for Kousseri and 1.36±0.16 mg KOH/g of oil for Garoua) are lower than the standard of 4 mg KOH/g of oil recommended by CODEX standard for edible oils. The iodine index values are 114.30±0.05 mgI₂/g for Maroua, 114.82±2.6 mgI₂/g for Garoua and 115.42±1.95 mgI₂/g for Kousseri. These values are close to those of cottonseed oil. The peroxide index values in meqO₂/Kg for the three localities are lower than 10 meqO₂/Kg, the recommended standard for edible oils. The saponification index gave the values of 189.33±4.8 for Kousseri, 186.52±2.4 for Maroua and 190.73±2.43 for Garoua. These values are lower than those of some conventional oils (copra, palm seed) used in soap making. Balanites aegyptiaca oil was found to be a stable oil with good preservation. It is semi siccative and less susceptible to oxidation than some conventional oils. This oil could be used as a main component for soap production.