Biochemical Characterization of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Seeds

Abstract

Fig fruit has been a typical component of the health-promoting Mediterranean diet since centuries. One of the fig fruit’s parts responsible for health effects is fig seeds that do not come to mind. Firstly, the proximate compositions of Sarilop fig seed cultivars were determined in this study. It was seen that the fig seeds were rich in oil and carbohydrate contents. Then, the mineral contents of fig seeds were analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometer and an atomic absorption spectrometer. The major minerals in fig seeds were found as Ca, K and P. Moreover, the fatty acid compositions of the seeds were evaluated by gas chromatography. The fig seed oil had greater amount of the unsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids. The chemical compositions of fig seeds are presented for the first time in this study.