Properties of Apricot Kernel and Oils as Fruit Juice Processing Waste

Recently, more attention has been focused on the utilization of food processing by products and wastes, as well as under-utilization agricultural products. Some physical and chemical properties, mineral contents and fatty acid composition of apricot kernel and oils were determined. The oil yields from kernels changed from 42.2% to 57.2%. The crude fibre contents ranged between 4.06% and 7.63%. In addition, crude protein contents ranged between 15.1% and 24.2%. While the peroxide values of kernel oils change between 0.834 meq/Kg and 8.294 meq/Kg, acidity values ranged between 0.279% and 0.700%. The main fatty acids in apricot kernel oils were oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids. Oleic acid contents of kernel oils varied between 53.06% and 70.90%. On the other hand, linoleic acid contents ranged between 21.43% and 35,67%. As a result, the present study showed the apricot kernels of the researched species of apricot kernels from Turkey are a potential source of valuable oil which might be used for edible and other industrial applications.