Characterisation of some nutritional constituents of melon (Cucumis melo hybrid AF-522) seeds

Seeds from a melon hybrid AF-522 largely cultivated in the northeast region of Brazil were analysed for their proximate composition. The seeds contained high percentages of lipids (30.8%) and proteins (14.9%). Hexane-extracted oil had acid, peroxide, iodine and saponification values of 2.06, 4.96, 111.8 and 210.6, respectively. Gas chromatographic analysis of the oil revealed the presence of 24 fatty acids varying from C6 to C24 with the exception of C11, C19, C21 and C23. The concentrations of individual fatty acids varied from trace quantities to about 64%. Linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids were the principal fatty acids contributing to 64.1, 19.4, 9.5 and 4.9%, respectively, of the total fatty acids which had a relatively high percentage (84.4%) of unsaturated fatty acids. Seed proteins were rich in arginine, aspartic and glutamic acids while limiting amino acids were methionine and lysine.