Abstract

Aqueous enzymatic extraction of oil from Balanites aegyptiaca (desert date) kernel was optimized using a mixture of four enzymes (alcalase, cellulase, viscozyme L and protease). The physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of the oil obtained by enzyme assisted aqueous extraction and byorganic solvent extraction were compared. Using 2% of each enzyme and 1:10 of water‐to‐kernel flour ratio, the yield of oil extraction was 38%, estimated in comparison with extraction by Soxhlet method. Linoleic acid was the most prominent fatty acid, followed by oleic acid, and palmitic acid. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the fatty acid composition of the oil extracted using enzymes mixtures and organic solvents. However, the oil obtained by aqueous enzymatic extraction presented a significantly lower (P < 0.05) acid value, peroxide value, color intensity and phospholipids content than the oil obtained by solvent extraction.