Comparison of the Physicochemical Characteristics of Pinus koraiensis L. Nut Oils from Different Extraction Technologies

Abstract

In this study, the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profiles, and tocopherol compositions of Pinus koraiensis L. nut oils were evaluated, and the impact of different extraction technologies on the overall quality of pine nut oil was assessed. All the pine nut oils had pleasant and characteristic odor and flavor of the pine nuts and the flavor of the oil from hot-pressing was strongest. The oils obtained by hexane extraction and sub-critical extraction had less deterioration, indicating hexane extraction and sub-critical extraction preserve the oil quality well. Gas chromatography showed that the predominant fatty acid was linoleic acid (45.36%–45.91%), followed by oleic acid (26.91%–27.10%), and pinolenic acid (13.33%–13.63%), respectively. The oils from hexane extraction of cold-pressed cake and sub-critical extraction were richer in tocopherols and tocotrienols, namely, 37.52 and 36.18 mg/100g, respectively, with α-tocopherol most abundant. The pine nut oils from hexane extraction of cold-pressed cake, hexane extraction, cold pressing, and sub-critical extraction had better oxidation stability with the oxidation induction times of 6.91, 5.27, 4.96 and 4.93 h, respectively. Based on its features, P. koraiensis nut oil may have the multiple application in edible oil, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry. P. koraiensis can be one of the good woody candidates for closing the gap between the demand and production of vegetable oils.Supported by Henan Provincial Scientific and Technological Research Project (No.15210221027). Keywords:: Pinus koraiensis nut oil, Physicochemical properties, Fatty acid composition, Tocopherols