Estudio de la composición quimica de la semilla y aceite seminal de Cichorium intybus L. (achicoria)

Seeds from Cichorium intybus L harvested at Olavarria (Buenos Aires, Argentine) were defatted with petroleum ether (60°-80°) and the raw oil obtained with a yield of 13.3% dry basis. The crude oil was examined in their physicochemical characteristics had refractive index of 1.4576 (at 25°), iodine value of 124.3, saponification index of 191,4, unsaponifiable matter of 5.3 % and free fatty acid content of 6.0 (mg KOH/g). Gas chromatographic analysis of the oil revealed high levels of linoleic acid (59.8%), nearly 21% of saturated acids. The residual seed meal contained 16.9% of crude protein, with a low value of available lysine (1.37g/16 g N). Total and phytic acid phosphorous, calcium, ash, crude fiber, sugar, polysaccharides (non presence of starch) and residual lipids contents are reported.