Extraction, Characterization and Application of Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale) Oil
*S.N. Ezem , 1R.E. Ezem & 2L.O. Ojokoh
1 Department of Food Technology
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Afikpo, Ebonyi State
Department of Science Laboratory Technology
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Afikpo Ebonyi State
E-mail: stellaezem@gmail.com, ezemreg2006@yahoo.com & ujuezem@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The oil was extracted from the sun-dried cashew seeds by soxhlet method. The oil content of the seeds was found to be 40%. The oil extracted was characterized and used for soap-making. The golden yellow oil had saponification and iodine values of 168 and 215 mg g-1 respectively. It was a non-drying oil. The relative density of the oil was found to be 0.81. The soap produced with the oil was soft and cream colored. The characteristics determined for the soap included alkalinity, chloride and moisture contents, matter insoluble in ethanol and water. The values obtained compared favorably with the specifications of the Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS).
Keywords: Soxhlet extraction, characterization, Anacardium occidentale, non-drying oil.
