- Titre : Physico-chemical characteristics of pistachio kernel accessions growing under South Mediterranean conditions
- DOI: 10.71751/JAAOGv3i1y2024-1-8
- Auteur : Mohamed Ayadi; AzzaChelli Chaabouni; Kawthar Ben Mansour; Imen Ouerghui; Moez Mkadmi
- Abstract : In the Mediterranean region, pistachio mainly grows under rainfed conditions generating relatively low and alternating yields. This study focused on kernel quality assessment for their possible valorization to compensate for these low performances. The biochemical and mineral characteristics of seven pistachio kernel accessions (Mateur’, ‘El Guettar’, ‘Meknassy’, ‘Achouri’, ‘Kermezi’, ‘TLII/3’, and ‘TL6/6’) were determined. The studied parameters were moisture content, fat content, biochemical analyses of the oil, and mineral composition of kernel powder after oil extraction. Results showed that all studied accessions ranged in the quality level of international standards for moisture rates (37- 4.7%). Fat content varied from 28% (TL 6/6) and 61.3% (Achouri). The oil's fatty acid compositions exhibited high variations in oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids between the studied accessions. The oleic/linoleic (O/L) acid ratios, commonly used to predict the oil's chemical stability and shelf life, were comparable to those reported in other producing countries and ranged between 2.7 and 4.9. The obtained results distinguish a few varieties according to their kernel qualities: Achouri for the oil chemical stability and the high fat and oleic acid contents; TL II/3 was the richest in chlorophylls, carotenoids, and polyphenols indicating high antioxidant capacities; Meknassy for its richness in potassium and calcium and its high oil yield; and El Guettar for the yield and stability of its oil and the richness of its kernels in proteins and potassium.
- Pagination : 1-8
