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This study evaluates the variation in oil content and composition of Jatropha curcas L. seeds from 12 origins, grown in Mozambique, under the same edapho-climatic and agronomic conditions. The seeds had oil contents from 37% to 45% (d.w.). The oils were rich in oleic (mean 40%) and linoleic (mean 40%) acids and poor in linolenic acid (mean 0.22%), with high content of beta-sitosterol (71% of total sterols), low acidity and low levels of oxidation products, making them adequate for biodiesel production by alkaline-catalyzed transesterification. The high levels of gamma-tocopherol (69–182 mg/kg) may explain the high oxidative stability exhibited by the oil during 6 months of storage at 28 or 35 °C. Conversely, seeds storage under high temperatures and humidity promoted the growth of fungi responsible for oil degradation. Therefore, under tropical climate conditions, when oil conversion to biodiesel is not possible immediately after fruit harvest, it is better to extract the oil and store it under closed containers without contact with oxygen and light, to preserve its quality, than to store the seeds. |
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