Chemical composition of pine nut (Pinus pinea L.) grown in three geographical macrozones in Chile

Abstract

Mediterranean pine nuts are recognized for their high nutritional value and healthy benefits. The aim of the study was to analyze the composition of pine nuts harvested from Pinus pinea L. across three different geographic macrozones in Chile. Proximate analysis, minerals, fatty acid composition, phytosterols, tocopherols, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity were determined. The major component was fat (422.5±3.3–469.2±0.7 g/kg), followed by protein (320.0±1.4–352.5±1.0 g/kg). The predominant phytosterol was β-sitosterol (average 18,177.7±763.8 µg/kg oil), and the main vitamin E isomer was γ-tocopherol (average 1071.1±109.8 µg/kg oil). Phenolics reached an average of 0.34±0.05 mg gallic acid equivalents/g. Vitamin C and ORAC exhibited an average of 27.7±1.4 mg/kg and 8.54+0.03 µmol Trolox equivalents/g, respectively. Linoleic was the most abundant fatty acid, followed by oleic acid. The chemical composition of pine nuts harvested in different macrozones reveals good nutritional properties and potential health benefits.

Keywords

• Pine nut
• tree nut
• nutritive value
• proximate analysis