Extraction and physicochemical analysis of oil from unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels was carried out using cold extraction method. The peels were washed with distilled water, sun dried for 3 hours and oven dried for 6 hours at 85oC. It was then ground thoroughly. 700g of the sample was weighed and 1.20 liter of n-hexane was added for 72 hours. It was placed in a water bath for the evaporation of the solvent. The physicochemical properties determined were Saponification Value (SV), Iodine Value (IV), Free Fatty Acid Value (FFA), Peroxide Value (PV), Acid Value (AV) the mean results obtained SV 335.18mg/KOH/g, IV 7.16gI2/100g, FFA 338.76mg/KOH/g, AV 696.35mg/KOH/g and PV 328.46meq/kg. In comparing these physicochemical properties with the standard given by WHO/FAO, it was observed that IV and PV were below the range, SV, AV and FFA was above the range. Hence, the oil obtained from unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels is not fit for human consumption because AV, SV and FFA are higher than the standard given by WHO/FAO rather it can be used for making of soap and shampoos, PV showed the stability of the oil and IV indicates it’s nondrying quality which will not be suitable for ink and paint making due to its low iodine content.
Physicochemical characterization of peel, flesh and banana fruit cv. raja [Musa paradisiaca]
