Preliminary Extraction and Characterization Of the Oil From Carapa Procera Seed

Abstract

The seed of the crabwood tree (Carapa procera L.) contain a high percentages of oil ( over 60%) compared with other popular Ghanaian oil seeds. A preliminary investigation into the extraction and physical and chemical characterization of the oil has been  carried out in order to determine its potential economic use. Its characteristics are compared with these of some commonly used oils. A low moisture content of 9.40% was obtained with the fresh ground seeds. The oil has saponification and iodine values of 119-126 and 101.5 respectively. the interpretation of these results in relation to its possible economic use is given.