Abstract
Five varieties of Amaranthus cruentus were planted in 3 localities at different altitudes above sea level. They were subjected to equivalent agronomic practices and harvested at 120–130 days. The seeds were removed and dried to 12% moisture. The seeds from each variety were analyzed for total fat, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linolenic acids and squalene contents. Oil content varied from 5.83 to 7.13%, palmitic acid from 17.06 to 21.35%, stearic acid from 3.05 to 3.80%, oleic acid from 20.26 to 32.01% and linoleic acid from 33.52 to 43.88%. The values for oil and fatty acid contents were similar to those found in the literature. The differences in the analytical values of the present study were not statistically significant for variety or for location.
Squalene content varied from 2.26 to 5.94% of the oil. This variability is similar to that reported previously by other workers. Statistical analysis showed significant difference for localities but not for varieties. It is suggested that environmental conditions, such as temperature and water availability, may lead to a greater accumulation of squalene in the grain.
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Berganza, B.E., Moran, A.W., Rodríguez, G.M. et al. Effect of variety and location on the total fat, fatty acids and squalene content of amaranth. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 58, 1–6 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:QUAL.0000041143.24454.0a
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:QUAL.0000041143.24454.0a