Characterisation of some nutritional constituents of melon (Cucumis melo hybrid AF-522) seeds

Seeds from a melon hybrid AF-522 largely cultivated in the northeast region of Brazil were analysed for their proximate composition. The seeds contain ed high percentages of lipids (30.8%) and proteins (14.9%). Hexane-extracte d oil had acid, peroxide, iodine and saponification values of 2.06, 4.96, 1 11.8 and 210.6. respectively. Gas chromatographic analysis of the oil revea led the presence of 24 fatty acids varying from C-6 to C-24 with the except ion of C-11, C-19, C-21 and C-23. The concentrations of individual fatty ac ids varied from trace quantities to about 64%. Linoleic. oleic. palmitic an d stearic acids were the principal fatty acids contributing to 64.1, 19.4, 9.5 and 4.9%, respectively, of the total fatty acids which had a relatively high percentage (84.4%) of unsaturated fatty acids. Seed proteins were ric h in arginine, aspartic and glutamic acids while limiting amino acids were methionine and lysine. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.