Characterization of Fruit, Seed and Oil of Vegetable Tallow (Allanblackia floribunda) Found in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Unpopular and underutilized fruits, seeds and oil of vegetable tallow (Allanblackia floribunda) found in forest of some communities in Rivers State, Nigeria were characterized. Mature A. floribunda fruits were sourced from 7 communities in Rivers State: Okehi, Igbodo, Rumuewhor, Ubimin, Elibrada, Oyigbo and Ndoki and analyzed for fruit weight; length, circumference and pulp weight by means of a calibrated flexible tape and digital weighing scale. The seeds were extracted manually after two weeks of natural disintegration of the pulp. Number of seeds per fruit was noted and the seed weight, density, thickness, length, shells and seed oil content was measured. Length of fruit, fruit circumference, fruit weight and pulp weight ranged respectively, from 35.66 - 43.00 cm, 13.36 – 15.70 cm, 2021.47- 4133.37 g and 400 and 712 g. Number of seeds per fruit ranged from 42.66-50.66 pieces. Average seed thickness, seed shell, mass of 100 seeds and seed length varied significantly (p<0.05) from 0.42 - 0.83 mm, 12.06-25%, 185.66- 355.67 g, 1.26 - 4.33 mm respectively. Oil extraction yield using hot water floatation ranged from 42.21- 51.40%. Oil extraction efficiency and extraction loss varied significantly (p<0.05) from 63.48- 77.80% and 2.50-5.30% respectively. Fruit and seed characteristics of samples collected from Ndoki was considered the best with significantly (p<0.05) the highest fruit length, circumference, fruit and pulp weight; and maximum oil content with minimum extraction loss. This study has provided a baseline data for the commercialization of underutilized A. floribunda fruits which will be of great economic benefit.

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