Musaceae

Studies on the physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of the oil from ripe plantain peel (Musa paradisiaca)

Oil extracted from ripe peel of Musa paradisiaca (plantain) was analyzed for physicochemical properties and fatty acid constituents using standard methods. The results revealed that the acid value, peroxide value and specific gravity were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of soybean oil whereas saponification value, iodine value, ester value, boiling, smoke, flash and fire points were significantly lower than in soybean oil. The percentage yield of the oil from the peel of M. parasidiaca fruit was 6%.