Jessenia bataua

Balick and Gershoff (1981) noted appreciable variability in the size of fruit, for example the length measured 2.1-3.9cm. Rajanaidu et al. (1991) noted signiflcant differences in fruit weight, nut weight and meso-carp to fruit ratio between populations in two sites in Colombia. The 

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Oleic acid, the most widely distributed of all the natural fatty acids, is present in practically all lipids and is a significant component in sources such as those listed below. Many of these are commercially available and are discussed in more detail in Section 3.3. The least familiar is Jessenia bataua which is a native Amazonian palm. Its oil is considered as a potential replacement for olive oil. The octa-decenoic acids of plant origin are likely to be wholly oleic acid but those of animal origin may contain other isomers. 

Jacaranda mimosifolia, 11 Jacaric acid, 11 Jessenia bataua oil, 3, 51,77 Jojoba wax, 142,147,489, 554 Juglans oils, 97... 

The oil of Jessenia bataua has been described as being close to olive oil in character, and the other oils described are likely to be similar, although a simple winterisation treatment may be needed in some cases. Another important factor in choosing a palm for development is the requirement in terms of soil, rainfall and altitude. Some of the palms and trees discussed can perform in conditions that would be unsuitable for Elaeis guineensis. Oil-bearing crops suitable for arid climates and difficult soils may be of particular interest. 

Balick, M.J. and Gershoff, S.N. (1981) Nutritional evaluation of the Jessenia bataua palm, source of high quality protein and oil from tropical America. Econ. Bot. 35, 261-271. 

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