Nutritional Value and Physical Properties of Syrian Pine Nuts

Abstract

This investigation aims to determine the nutritional value and physical traits of Syrian pine nut kernels and shells over time. Furthermore, the pine nut's composition and nutritional content are assessed concerning the latest climatic conditions. For each prepared sample, chemical analyses were done in two and physical analyses in three replicates, all according to a completely randomized design. The Homs District Agricultural Development Cooperative provided the pine nut shell samples used in this study. The sampling was conducted in May and June, taking subsamples of in-shell nuts from 25 kg bags. Every year, 15 subsamples were taken from various bags, and 33, 35, and 38 aggregate samples were generated. The in-shell nut quality showed seasonal variations concerning cracked and defective nuts, with crack rates spanning from 21 to 46% and 3 to 5%, respectively. The composition of the pine nut kernel was determined to have the following proportions: carbohydrates 12.19%, protein 32.18%, fat 43.2%, ash 4.93%, water activity 0.412, and moisture 4.31%. The elements with the greatest abundance were magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, kernels contain a high concentration of the minerals zinc and iron. The findings show that, compared to other Mediterranean pine nut sources, pine nut kernels cultivated in the Homs region are a rich source of several essential elements that positively impact public health.

Keywords

• chemical composition
• fatty acid
• physical properties
• pinus species