Oils Rich in Laurie and Myristic Acids

The most important representatives of this group of oils are coconut, palm seed and babassu oils. The acceptable shelf life stability of these oils is reflected in their fatty acid compositions (Table 14.8). Since linoleic acid is present in negligible amounts, autoxidative changes in these oils do not occur. However, when these oils are used in preparations containing water, microbiological deterioration may occur this involves release of free Cg-C fatty acids and their partial degra- 

Coconut and palm seed oils are important ingredients of vegetable margarines which are solid at room temperature. However, they melt in the mouth with a significant heat uptake, producing a cooling effect. 

Coconut oil is obtained from the stone fruit of the coconut palm, which grows throughout the tropics. The moisture content of the oil-containing endosperm, when dried, decreases from 50% to about 5-7%. Such crushed and dried coconut endosperm is called copra and is sold under this 

Palm kernel oil is obtained from the kernels of the fruit of the oil palm. The kernels are separated from the fruit pulp, then removed from the stone shells and dried prior to recovery of the oil. Babassu oil is obtained from seeds of the babassu palm, which is native to Brazil. This oil is rarely found on the world market and is mainly consumed in Brazil. 

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