Quality characterization of Niger seed oil (Guizotia Abyssinica Cass.) produced in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to find out cholesterol and total free fatty acid content in Niger seed oil which is the most available edible oil in Ethiopia. Acid value, peroxide value, saponification value and cholesterol content were determined. The analysis performed using Liebermann-Burchard method revealed no level of cholesterol content. Unlike the peroxide value, acid value and saponification value of Niger seed oil show high values in comparison with the maximum permissibility level of Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils (CODEX STAN210-1999). In conclusion, this study could be a guide line, to understand the quality of Niger seed oil in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Therefore, companies producing and marketing Niger seed oil are enjoined to inform the public by labeling their products as “cholesterol free”.

Key words: Niger seed oil, cholesterol and free fatty acid.