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Fatty Acid and Dietary Fiber Content of the Mesocarp of Hawaii Grown Avocados: Potential for Improved Health Benefits
Author(s) -
Iwasaki Justin Kai Tadao,
Dieron Karlo,
Stewart Maria L.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.1025.3
Subject(s) - nutrient , fatty acid , persea , food science , water content , cultivar , horticulture , dietary fiber , fiber , chemistry , botany , biology , organic chemistry , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Previous research has shown that nutrient content of avocados (Persea americana) depends on growing location. Current avocado entries in USDA Nutrient Database represent only California (CA) and Florida (FL) grown avocados. Over 150 varieties of avocado are currently grown in the state of Hawaii. This study characterized selected nutrients (fatty acids and dietary fiber) in four varieties of Hawaii grown avocados. Crude lipid content was determined by soxhlet extraction. Fatty acids were derivatized to fatty acid methyl esters and analyzed by GC‐FID. Dietary fiber was determined by AOAC method 991.43. Moisture content was determined by freeze‐drying. Crude lipid differed among Hawaii grown avocados (14.2–28.2 g/100 g edible sample). Compared to FL and CA varieties, Hawaii grown avocados contained additional myristate and arachidate. Total fiber content in Hawaii grown avocados was greater than FL and CA varieties (15.3–23.68 g vs. 5.6–6.8 g /100 g edible sample). Hawaii grown avocados had a larger range of % moisture (63–77%) as compared to FL and CA varieties (77–78%) that may impact sensory qualities, nutrient and energy density values. Hawaii grown avocados have higher nutrient content as compared to FL and CA grown avocados which warrants further research on potential health benefits. Funded by USDA‐NIFA Agricultural Diversification Grant: Hawaii Tropical Specialty Fruits. R&D Award 2010‐34172‐21693. Grant Funding Source : USDA‐NIFA Agricultural Diversification Grant: Hawaii Tropical Specialty Fruits. R&D Award 2010‐34172‐21693