Chemical composition and nutritive value of Pinus pinea L. seeds

The proximate composition of stone pine Pinus pinea L. seeds, along with mineral and vitamin contents (ascorbic acid, thiamine and riboflavin), fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions, were investigated. The proximate analysis of stone pine seeds showed the following composition: moisture 5%, ash 4.5%, fat 44.9%, crude protein 31.6%, total soluble sugars 5.15% and energy value 583 kcal/100 g. Oleic and linoleic acids were the major unsaturated fatty acids, while palmitic, stearic and lignoceric acids were the main saturated ones. Potassium, phosphorus and magnesium were the predominant elements present in the seeds. Zinc, iron and manganese were also detected in appreciable amounts. The contents of ascorbic acid, thiamine and riboflavin were found to be 2.50, 1.50 and 0.28 mg/100 g, respectively. The compositions of triacylglycerol of the oil were determined with ECN by HPLC. Triacylglycerols with ECNs of 44 and 48 were dominant in the oil. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.