Studies on physicochemical properties of the oil, minerals and nutritional composition of nut of nut grass (Cyperus rotundus).

摘要

Composition of nut grass (Cyperus rotundus; aya) nuts purchased in Nigeria was investigated. Nut oil was extracted to study its physicochemical contents, while whole samples were oven-dried overnight at 40 degrees C and ground into a powder to evaluate their mineral and macronutrient composition. The oil had a fatty acid content of 0.62 +or- 0.01%, an acid value of 10.1 +or- 0.17%, an iodine value of 24.15 +or- 0.25%, a peroxide value of 0.65 +or- 0.06% and a saponification value of 37.71 +or- 0.97%. Although Mn, Co, Zn and Fe were not detected, levels of Cu, Mg, Na, Ca and K were high. The oil contained 12.63 +or- 0.01% crude fibre, 2.67 +or- 0.21 ash, 9.04 +or- 0.00% protein and 21.47 +or- 0.83% carbohydrate.