Seed oils of apples (Malus pumila)

Apple seed oils were found to be characterised by a high content of linoleic acid (48–64 %), together with 24–42 % oleic acid, 48–71 % palmitic acid and lesser percentages of stearic and arachidic acids. The Granny Smith seed oils contained significantly greater amounts of palmitic and linoleic acids than those of the Dougherty and Sturmer varieties and lesser amounts of oleic acid. Differences in fatty add composition between the Sturmer and Dougherty varieties were not significant. The apple seed oils contrasted with those of other sub‐families of the family Rosaceae in containing neither a‐elaeostearic acid nor more than traces of linolenic acid. The apple processing industries could well be a useful source for the production of oil rich in linoleic acid.