Some nutritional characteristics of kernel and oil of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Some nutritional properties of the peanut kernel and oils were established. The oil yields from these kernels vary from 32.7 % to 45.4 %. The content of protein ranged between 25.9 % to 32.4 %, with a mean value of 28.93 %. The mineral contents of peanut kernels were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The contents of Na ranged from 867.7 mg/kg to 1186.1 mg/kg, with a mean value of 1004.7 mg/ kg. The phosphor contents of kernels ranged between 2769.7 mg/kg to 3784.9 mg/kg, with a mean value of 3433.91 mg/kg. The oil had a refractive Index (n 20) between 1.451 to 1.461 and a saponifiable value between 165.3 to 187.6. The main fatty acids in peanut kernel oils are oleic, linoleic and palmitic. Statistical differences between parameter to locatins were important at p < 0.05. As a result, the present study showed the peanut kernels of the researched species of Arachis kernels from Turkey to be a potential source of valuable oil which might be used for edible and other industrial applications.