The physico-hemical properties of two kinds of Egyptian sweet melon seed oils (King Bahtim and Malty Bahtim] were investigated. The amount of oil extracted from King Rahtim reached 340/0 while in the other kind this percentage reached 36O/o. The oil extracted has high acid and iodine values in both kinds in comparison with cotton seed oil. Fatty acid composition by GLC for the two kinds revealed the presence of linolenic, linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic and myristic acid in different proportions. The variety of the seeds influences to a great extent the amount of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Oil stability investigations in a Warburg apparatus indicated that King Bahtim variety reached the maximum absorption of oxygen after 17 days, while Malty Bahtim variety needs 20 days to reach the same maximum absorption. On the other hand chemical analysis of the residual meal indicated the probability of its usage in animal feed as it contains a high amount of protein and fibers. The residual meal can be considered also as a good source for both phosphorus and potassium.
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Sweet melon (Cucumis melo var. Aegyptiacus) is a member of the family cucurbitaceae and is known in Egypt as "Shamam". Melon seeds are considered to be waste products. No available literature concerning melon seed oil was observed.