Evaluation of some physico-chemical properties of Shea-butter (Butyrospermum paradoxum) related to its value for food and industrial utilisation Online publication date: Thu, 27-Nov-2008
by Ogbonnaya Chukwu, P.P. Adgidzi
International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation (IJPTI), Vol. 1, No. 3, 2008
Abstract: The physical and chemical properties of edible oils influence their suitability for use in food and other process industries. The aim of this study was to determine the physico-chemical properties and proximate composition of Shea-butter oil. Results obtained showed that Shea-butter has the following chemical properties: acid value (3.825), iodine number (43.27), peroxide value (12.85), saponification value (196.90) and unsaponifiable matter (6.23%). Other physico-chemical properties quantified were moisture content (1.37%), ash content (1.26%), total fat (75.03%), carbohydrate content (22.34%), refractive index (1.452), relative density (0.906) and melting point (27°C). These results showed that the physico-chemical properties and proximate composition of Shea-butter are comparable with the properties of groundnut oil which is widely used for cooking and industrial food processes.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation (IJPTI):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook