Chemical composition of the shell of apricot seeds

Abstract

Abstract The chemical composition of the seed shell of the apricot ( Prunus armeniaca ) were investigated. Acid and neutral detergent fibres (ADF and NDF) and their fractions—hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin—were determined. The NDF content was about 920 g kg −1 DM. The concentrations of oils, soluble sugars, pectins, polyphenolic compounds, proteins and mineral elements were also determined. None of these fractions was present at levels higher than 25 g kg −1 DM. Essential amino acids comprised 38‐41% of the total amino acids. Potassium (2.44 g kg −1 ) was the most abundant element, followed by calcium (1.15 g kg −1 ). Some possible applications for apricot seed shell are considered.