Storage properties of oils of two Nigerian oil seeds Jatropha curcas (physic nut) and Helianthus annuus (sunflower)

Abstract

Oils of Jatropha curcas and Helianthus annuus stored at ambient conditions for four months in four different containers (polythene, glass, metal and plastic bottles) were sampled at one month interval for physico-chemical properties. Increases were noted in all the containers as follows: Free fatty acid (0.72-1.02 and 0.6-1.14%), peroxide value (0.2-1.86 and 0.23-0.44 mEq kg-1), iodine value (1.40-11.50 and 6.20-14.20), acid value (13.00-50.00 and 36.00-59.00 mg KOH g-1) for Jatropha curcas and Helianthus annuus, respectively. No container effect on the color, dirt/sediment, specific gravity and reflective index of the oils was apparent. All parameters were closed in the limits for oils edited by Codex Alimentary Commission. © 2007 Academic Journals.