Chemical Composition and Physical Properties of Some Egyptian Cucurbitaceae Seeds and Oils

Abstract

The current study was intended to evaluate the chemical composition, functional properties, and physical properties of some cucurbits seed. Chemical composition, functional properties of sweet melon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus), sweet melon (Cucumis melo var. aegyptiacus) watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), citron melon (Citrullus lanatus var. Colocynthoides). Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), and summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), were studied as well as the characteristics of their seed oils. The seeds are rich in protein, crude fat, and crude fiber. The seeds contained high amounts of K, Mg, Na, Fe, and Mn. Water and fat absorption capacities, emulsification properties, and foam stability were fairly good in all seeds. Data obtained for the oils' characteristics agree well with those of other edible vegetable oils. The obtained results revealed that the seeds presented an alternative source of vegetable oil. Seeds could be added to food systems such as bakery products.