Some compositional characteristics of capers (Capparis spp.) seed and oil

Capparis spinosa L. var. spinosa and Capparis ovata Desf. var, canescens se eds were evaluated for weight, sizes, moisture, ash, crude protein, crude o il, energy and crude fiber. The relative density, refractive index, free fa tty acids, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiab les and wax were determined in the seed oils. The main fatty acids identifi ed by gas chromatography were palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. The seeds were rich in protein, oil, and fiber and showed similar composition betwee n then with a high content in unsaturated fatty acids, suggesting that they may be valuable for food uses.