Parâmetros de qualidade físico-química de óleos e análise morfométrica de frutos e sementes da espécie Orbignya phalerata Martius por região ecológica

This study aimed at the investigation of physicochemical characteristics of oils and the morphometric characteristics of fruits and seeds (almonds) of babassu (Orbignya phalerata Martius), by ecological region of the state of Maranhão. For this, samples of babassu were obtained from the following regions: Litoral, Cocais, Baixada, Cerrado and Pre-Amazonia of the state of Maranhão, and analyzed the following physicochemical parameters: acidity index, saponification index, refraction index and humidity using Analytical Standards of the Adolfo Lutz Institute. Fruits were collected from the same regions to analyze the morphometric characteristics by measuring the fruits and almonds of the studied species. The results indicate that the acidity indexes are within the maximum limit established by the ANVISA National Standard and the saponification indexes indicate the presence of medium to high molecular weight lipids. The refractometric results are in line with current standards and the moisture content was less than 1%. The lots of Orbignya phalerata Martius babassu presented a significant variability in size and weight for fruits and almonds by region.