Composition of New Zealand apricot kernels

Abstract

The proximate analysis of ‘Moorpark’ apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca) has been determined. Moisture (4.7%), protein (20.6%), dietary fibre (2.5%), total ash (2.9%), and lipid (52.0%) values were obtained. A potentially valuable oil was extracted and chemically analysed. The fatty acid composition, measured by gas chromatography of the methyl esters, was dominated by oleic acid (69.0%) and linoleic acid (26.0%). Cyanide was not detected in the apricot oil. © Crown 1990.