The effect of unsaponifiable matter on the properties of coffee seed oil

Abstract

Abstract The unsaponifiable matter of coffee seed oil has been shown to be responsible for the comparatively low melting‐point (approximately 8C) of this oil. The melting point of coffee oil fatty acids, free of unsaponifiable matter, is 40−42C, and their esterification with glycerol produces an oil with a melting point of 34−36C. The unsaponifiable matter is probably responsible for high refining losses of coffee oil since the surface activity of its main constituents facilitates a partial saponification or emulsification of neutral oil during the treatment with alkalies, especially in oils with high acidity.