Assessment of the Impact of Annual Growing Conditions on the Physicochemical Properties of Mango Kernel Fat

Abstract

In this study, the effect of growing conditions in different harvest years on the physicochemical properties of various Ivorian mango kernel fat (MKF) varieties was investigated. The fats extracted from mango kernels were analysed with respect to their fatty acid composition (FAC) and triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, melting profile, and solid fat content (SFC). The results indicate that variations in MKF content between non-consecutive harvest years (2021 and 2023) were influenced by environmental conditions, particularly rainfall and genetic factors, demonstrating the diverse response to environmental changes. Traditional varieties showed a decrease in fat content in the drier year (2023), while commercial varieties exhibited an increase. FAC was also affected, with changes in oleic- and stearic-acid levels, depending on water availability. This impacted the TAG composition, which in turn influenced the physical characteristics of the MKF. These findings highlight the importance of climatic factors in determining the quality and characteristics of MKF, which have significant implications for industrial applications. This suggests that it is necessary to take into account such factors when implementing logistic chains for the supply of quality raw materials.