Chemical Characterization of Date Seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivated in Algeria for its Application as Functional Ingredients

Abstract

Seven date seeds cultivars, Deglet Nour, Degla Baïdha, Fakht, Ghars, Hamraya, Tafezouin and Takermost were provided from Algerian Sahara. Some of these Algerian date seeds were studied for the first time (Fakht, Hamraya and Takermost). The biochemical characterization of these date seeds were studied, including fatty acids and minerals profiles. The results showed that date seeds are a good source of carbohydrates and crude cellulose, with averages of 66.63 and 13.20%, respectively. They are also a good source of proteins, with the cultivar Deglet Nour seeds as the richest one (9.27 ± 0.03%). The main fatty acid for all date seeds oils is oleic acid except for Deglet Nour in which lauric acid is the main one. However, the studied date seed oils could be classified as oleic-lauric oil. Potassium was the highest mineral in all date seeds cultivars, with values ranging from 2700 to 2900 mg/Kg, followed by sodium and iron. These results indicate that date seeds have good nutritional value with different compositions among cultivars. It could be concluded that date seeds could be considered as a good opportunity for their technological and industrial valorization.

Molecular Identification of Fungal Pathogens of Date Palm Root Rot in Egypt

“…Furthermore, researches have shown that date palms require specific climatic conditions and well-drained soils for successful fruit production (Jiddeine et al, 2022). The nutritional and medicinal properties of different parts of the date palm have been extensively studied, highlighting their potential as functional foods and nutraceuticals (Achour et al, 2022). Palm trees are planted for fruit; they are also grown as ornamental or landscape trees in many countries (Biglari et al, 2009).…”