EFFECT OF VARIETAL DIFFERENCE ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND FATTY ACID PROFILE OF KENAF SEED OIL

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), has a lot of potential to be utilized in the production of fibre and edible oil for food, medicinal, biodiesel etc. Two varieties of kenaf seed grown in Nigeria: Cuba-108 and Dowling were investigated. The oilseeds were extracted with hexane using cold maceration method. Physicochemical parameters were determined according to established methods. The fatty acid composition was determined by trans esterification of a known quantity of kenaf oils with methanol using potassium hydroxide as catalyst. The result obtained showed percentage oil content of 14.8 % and 12.7 %; acid value 3.8mgKOH/gm, 5.5mgKOH/gm, for Cuba -108 and Dowling respectively. Fatty acid composition of kenafoil sample Dowling (KS (D)) is predominantly, linoleic, while Cuba -108 Cuba -108 (KS (C)) is predominantly oleic. From the results obtainedKenaf seed oil has very great industrial potential in food and non-food utilization