Aqueous extraction of Macadamia nuts oil and its physicochemical properties

The aqueous solution extraction of oil from Macadamia nuts oil has been studied in the paper. The effects of solid/water ratio, pH, extraction temperature, extraction duration and centrifugal rotate speed on Macadamia nuts oil yield were investigated through Single Factor Method Test. The optimal process parameters were established by the orthogonal test on the basis of Single Factor Method Test. The optimal process parameters were as follows: solid/water ratio 1:3 g/mL, nature pH, extraction duration 1 h and centrifugal rotate speed 4800 r/min. An oil yield of 67.50% could be obtained on the optimal extraction conditions. The Macadamia nuts oil produced by the aqueous solution extraction method was transparent, pale yellow with macadamia aroma. The physicochemical properties results indicated that the pH condition of aqueous extraction had a certain influence on Macadamia nuts oil. The acid value and peroxide value of oil were lower than the corresponding value of national quality standards. © 2015, Editorial Department, Chinese Cereals and Oils Association. All right reserved.