Chemical Characteristics and Nutritional Properties of Hybrid Palm Oils

Abstract

Nutritional guidelines and environmental issues are adversely affecting palm oil’s image among consumers. However, hybrid palm oils are currently receiving increasing atten- tion because of their interesting chemical characteristics and nutritional properties. Interspecific hybridization Elaeis oleifera × E. guineensis (O×G) has been originally exploited with the main aim of developing disease-resistant varieties. However, available literature data contribute to reinforcing the idea that interspecific hybrid O×G palm oil could be a potential substitute for other vegetable oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (i.e., high oleic sunflower and safflower oils). The chapter aims to review current knowledge on vari- ous aspects of hybrid palm oil chemical composition (fatty acids, triacylglycerols, partial glycerides, unsaponifiable matter components) and their changes during fruit ripening. The nutritional attributes of hybrid palm oils are compared with the ones of conventional African palm oils