Extraction and characterization of guava seed oil: A novel industrial byproduct

Guava processing industry generates seed and peel as major waste fractions with seeds being a promising source of oil. Guava seed oil extracted from the dried seeds using solvent extraction resulted in 13.63% higher oil yield as compared to supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Guava seed oil as characterized by Gas chromatography (GC) was found to be rich in poly unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), particularly linoleic acid (75.25%), one of the essential fatty acids whereas among mono unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), oleic acid contributed majorly. Total saturated fatty acids amounted up to 13.52% of total fatty acids. Physico-chemical properties revealed guava seed oil to be quite stable due to its low acid value (0.40 ± 0.02 mg KOH/mg) and peroxide value (0.62 ± 0.05%). Sufficient amount of tocopherols (654 ± 11.00 ppm) and carotenoids (19.24 ± 0.38 ppm) were found in guava seed oil. Antioxidant activity was found to be 58.90%. Thermal properties like melting and crystallization behavior was also studied. Around 33 volatile constituents were found in guava seed oil with major contribution by fatty acid esters. The study outlines nutritional significance of guava seed oil to be utilized as functional ingredient for the development and formulation of new food products.