Fatty acid content of the seeds from 14 varieties of date palm Phoenix dactylifera L.

The fat content and fatty acid profiles of 14 varieties of date seeds were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fat content ranged from just over 5% (w/w) to about 9%. Eleven fatty acids were found with nearly 50% oleic acid in most varieties and an overall range from about 12 to 0.2%. The differences between samples were ascribed to both varietal and cultural differences. Some varieties had similar names but it is not known whether they are identical. The uses of dates seeds, which are currently only used for animal feed, is assessed with suggestions for potential uses as sources of edible oils and pharmaceuticals.