Lipid classes,fatty acid composition and triacylglycerol molecular species in the kernels of pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) seeds

The lipids extracted from the kernels of pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) seeds of three cultivars were classified by thin layer chromatography into six fractions: steryl esters (SEs, 0.5–1.2%), triacylglycerols (TAGs, 92.7–93.4%), free fatty acids (FFAs, 2.9–3.5%), sn‐1,3‐diacylglycerols (1,3‐DAGs, 0.4–0.9%), sn‐1,2‐diacylglycerols (1,2‐DAGs, 0.7–0.9%) and phospholipids (PLs, 1.5%). Fatty acids derivatised as methyl esters were analysed by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection. Molecular species and fatty acid distributions of TAGs, isolated from the total lipids in the kernels, were analysed by a combination of argentation thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography. A modified argentation TLC procedure, developed to optimise the separation of the complex mixture of total TAGs, provided 11 different groups of TAGs, based on both the degree of unsaturation and the total chain length of fatty acid groups. With a few exceptions, SM₂ (5.8–20.1%), S₂D (8.8–11.2%), M₃ (6.7–24.8%), SMD (6.8–16.7%), M₂D (16.7–23.6%), SD₂ (4.6–15.1%) and MD₂ (4.9–18.6%) were the main TAG components. These results suggest that there are significant differences (P < 0.05) not only in fatty acid distributions of acyl lipids but also in molecular species of TAGs among the three cultivars. The differences in pumpkin cultivars could be appreciable, based on the distribution of molecular species in TAGs. However, pumpkin seed kernels could be utilised successfully as a source of edible oils for human consumption. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of seed roasting process on the changes in composition and quality of sesame (Sesame indicum) oil

The composition and quality changes of sesame oils prepared at different roasting temperatures (180–260°C) from sesame seed were evaluated and compared with an unroasted oil sample. There were no apparent differences in characteristics, such as acid value, iodine value, saponification value and refractive index, of sesame oils prepared at a roasting temperature between 180 and 220°C. The colour units and total polar content of oils increased in relation to an increase in roasting temperature. The phospholipid content was reduced from 690 mg kg^?1 in unroasted oil to 0 mg kg^?1 in the oil prepared using a 260°C roasting temperature. The fatty acid content of the oil was reduced markedly, especially in oleic and linoleic acids, when the roasting temperature was over 220°C. The amounts of chlorophyll and sesamolin decreased with increasing roasting temperature. However, the highest level of sesamol and γ-tocopherol was found in oils prepared with a 200–220°C roasting temperature. The sesame oil prepared at a 200°C roasting temperature had the best flavour score when compared with the other samples.     

Effects of seed roasting temperature and time on the quality characteristics of sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil

The quality characteristics and composition of sesame oils prepared at different roasting temperatures (160–250°C) from sesame seeds using a domestic electric oven were evaluated as compared to an unroasted oil sample: only minor increases (P<0·05) in characteristics, such as peroxide value, carbonyl value, anisidine value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, of sesame oils occurred in relation to increasing roasting temperature and time between 160 and 200°C, but colour units of oils increased markedly over a 220°C roasting temperature. Significant decreases (P<0·05) were observed in the amounts of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in the oils prepared using a 250°C roasting temperature. The amounts of γ-tocopherol and sesamin still remained over 80 and 90%, respectively, of the original levels after roasting at 250°C. In the oil prepared using a 250°C roasting temperature, sesamol was detected at 3370 mg per kg oil, but sesamolin was almost depleted after 25 min of roasting. Burning and bitter tastes were found in the oils prepared at roasting temperatures over 220°C. The results suggested that a high-quality product would be obtained by roasting for 25 min at 160 or 180°C, 15 min at 200°C and 5 min at 220°C when compared with the other samples. © 1997 SCI.     

Roasting effects on fatty acid distributions of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds

Sesame seeds were roasted at different temperatures (180–220 °C) using a domestic electric oven. The positional distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerols (TAGs) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) isolated from total lipids in these seeds was investigated as well as the naturally occurring antioxidants that are present. Major lipid components were TAGs and phospholipids (PLs), while steryl esters (SEs), free fatty acids (FFAs) and sn‐1,3‐ and sn‐1,2‐diacylglycerols (DAGs) were minor ones. Following roasting, a significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in FFAs and in both forms of DAG (primarily sn‐1,3‐DAG). The greatest PL losses (P < 0.05) were observed in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), followed by PC and phosphatidylinositol (PI). On the other hand, the amounts of γ‐tocopherol and sesamin remained at over 80 and 90% respectively of the original levels after roasting at 220 °C. The principal characteristics of the positional distribution of fatty acids were still retained after 25 min of roasting: unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic and/or oleic, were predominantly concentrated in the sn‐2‐position, and saturated fatty acids, especially stearic and/or palmitic, primarily occupied the sn‐1‐ or sn‐3‐position. The results suggest that unsaturated fatty acids located in the sn‐2‐position are significantly protected from oxidation during roasting at elevated temperatures. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Structural changes of cellulosic polysaccharides in sesame kernels during roasting

This study investigated the structural changes of sesame kernel cellulosic polysaccharides during roasting and identified the volatile products produced from the degradation of cellulosic polysaccharides. The results showed that rhamnose and galacturonic acid of cellulosic polysaccharides were more susceptible to non-enzymatic browning reaction than glucose. The degradation of cellulosic polysaccharides in the roasting temperature range of 180–220°C resulted in decreasing in their molecular weight from 163 270 to 125 477 Da. The crystallinity increased from 16.4% to 32.5% revealing that mainly the amorphous regions of cellulosic polysaccharides were degraded during roasting. In addition, the volatiles from degradation of the amorphous region were rich in aldehydes (10.17–33.33%) and furans (12.84–41.55%). This study provides a new perspective for improving the quality of sesame kernel products in the food industry.     

Determination of optimum processing conditions for hot‐air roasting of hulled sesame seeds using response surface methodology

Sesame paste (tahin) is produced by milling hulled, roasted, sesame seeds. In this study, a hot‐air roasting process for the production of sesame paste was optimised by response surface methodology (RSM) over a range of air temperatures (120–180 °C) for various times (30–60 min). The colour parameters (L, a and b values), browning index (BI), hardness, fracturability and moisture content of the seeds were used as response parameters to develop predictive models and optimise the roasting process. Increases in roasting temperature and time caused increases in the a and b values and in the BI. The hardness and fracturability of seeds also decreased with increasing roasting temperature and time. The quadratic and linear models developed by RSM adequately described the changes in the colour values and textural parameters, respectively. The result of RSM analysis showed that all colour parameters and textural parameters should be used to monitor the roasting of sesame seeds in a hot‐air roaster. To obtain the desired colour and texture, the optimum roasting range for production of sesame paste was determined as 155–170 °C for 40–60 min. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of Roasting Conditions on the Changes of Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios (δ13C) in Sesame Oil and Usefulness of δ13C to Differentiate Blended Sesame Oil from Corn Oil

Abstract: Differentiating blended sesame oils from authentic sesame oil (SO) is a critical step in protecting consumer rights. Stable carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C), color, fluorescence intensity, and fatty acid profiles were analyzed in SO prepared from sesame seeds with different roasting conditions and in corn oil blended with SO. Sesame seeds were roasted at 175, 200, 225, or 250 °C for 15 or 30 min at each temperature. SO was mixed with corn oil at varying ratios. Roasting conditions ranging from175 to 250 °C at the 30 min time point did not result in significant changes in δ¹³C (P > 0.05). Values of δ¹³C in corn oil and SO from sesame seeds roasted at 250 °C for 15 min were −17.55 and −32.13 ‰, respectively. Fatty acid ratios, including (O + L)/(P × Ln) and (L × L)/O, where O, L, P, and Ln were oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and linolenic acids, respectively, showed good discriminating abilities among the SO blended with corn oil. Therefore, using different combinations of stable carbon isotope ratios and some fatty acid ratios can allow successful differentiation of authentic SO from SO blended with corn oil. Practical Application: Adulteration of sesame oil with less expensive oils such as corn oil or soybean oil to reduce cost is a common unethical practice in Korea. Due to the unique and strong flavor of sesame oils that may mask other weaker flavors, however, differentiating authentic sesame oils from blended oils is difficult. This study showed that the roasting process did not significantly affect the ratios of the stable carbon isotope (δ¹³C) in sesame oils. δ¹³C was confirmed to be a reliable parameter. Moreover, some fatty acid ratios were designed to discriminate between blended sesame oil with corn oil and authentic sesame oil.     

辣椒籽油的制备及其挥发性香味物质的研究

利用亚临界低温萃取技术对经过炒制前处理的辣椒籽进行萃取制备得到辣椒籽油,并采用同时蒸馏结合GC-MS法,分析了不同的炒制温度(120~200℃)和炒制时间(5~25 min)对辣椒籽油中的挥发性成分和脂肪酸成分的影响。在炒制时间为5 min,炒制温度低于140℃时,芳樟醇、月桂烯、双戊烯是辣椒籽油的主要香气物质,当温度高于140℃时,吡嗪类化合物和2-戊基呋喃是辣椒籽油的主要香气物质。在炒制温度为140℃,炒制时间为5 min时,辣椒籽油中的芳樟醇、月桂烯、双戊烯的含量分别达到最大值,随着炒制时间的增加,辣椒籽油中的2,3,5,6-甲基四吡嗪和2-戊基呋喃的含量在20 min时达到了最大值。辣椒籽油中主要的脂肪酸成分是棕榈酸(11.57%)、油酸(76.16%)和亚油酸(7.14%)。     

Roasting effects on fatty acid distribution of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in the kernels of pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) seeds

In this study, changes in fatty acid distributions of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita spp) in the course of the roasting process were investigated. Whole pumpkin seeds were exposed to microwaves for 6, 12, 20 or 30 min at a frequency of 2450 MHz. The kernels were separated from the seeds, and the lipid components and the fatty acid distributions of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and phospholipids (PLs) were analysed by a combination of thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography. Major lipid components were TAGs, free fatty acids (FFAs) and PLs, while steryl esters and diacylglycerols were also present in minor proportions. The greatest PL losses (p < 0.05) were observed in phosphatidyl ethanolamine, followed by phosphatidyl choline or phosphatidyl inositol. With a few exceptions, significant differences (p < 0.05) in fatty acid distributions occurred when the seeds were microwaved for 20 min or more. Nevertheless, the positional characteristics of fatty acid distributions in the TAGs were still retained after 20 min of roasting: unsaturated fatty acids were predominantly concentrated in the sn‐2‐position, and saturated fatty acids primarly occupied the sn‐1‐ or sn‐3‐position. These results suggest that no significant changes in fatty acid distribution of TAGs and PLs would occur within 12 min of microwave roasting, thus ensuring that a good‐quality product would be obtained. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fatty acid composition and content of tocopherols and carotenoids in raw and extruded grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L)

The effects of adding 140, 180, 220, 260 and 300 g water to 1 kg grass pea seeds and using three levels of extrusion temperature, 90/100/120/100 °C, 120/140/170/160 °C and 140/180/220/200 °C, on concentrations of total lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids and fatty acids in extruded seeds were determined. Extrusion-cooking and a higher moisture content resulted in a lower content of polyenoic fatty acids. The smallest decrease in the content of polyenoic fatty acids in grass pea seeds was observed during extrusion-cooking at 120/140/170/160 °C. Moisturising as well as extrusion lowered significantly the content of the natural antioxidants: α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, β-carotene and lutein. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Impact of Roasting on the Chemical Composition and Oxidative Stability of Perilla Oil

Abstract: The impact of roasting was observed with regard to certain changes in the chemical components and oxidative stability of oil expelled from the roasted perilla seeds. The roasting times were established differently at each roasting temperature of 180, 200, and 220 °C. Trans fatty acids in perilla oil were detected, and the level detected increased as the roasting time increased. Moreover, the roasting of perilla seed led to an increase of 4 tocopherols, α‐, β‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherol, as well as phosphorus in the oil. The oxidative stability of the oils obtained after roasting increased during 60 d of storage at 60 °C. The rate of decrease of tocopherol in the oil from unroasted perilla seed was faster than that of the tocopherol in the oils from roasted perilla seeds during storage. Practical Application: The results reported in present research provide useful information that the producers of perilla oil could apply for their processing.     

Effect of Seed Roasting Conditions on the Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Sesame Meal Extracts

ABSTRACT: Antioxidant activities of defatted sesame meal extract increased as the roasting temperature of sesame seed increased, but the maximum antioxidant activity was achieved when the seeds were roasted at 200°C for 60 min. Roasting sesame seeds at 200°C for 60 min significantly increased the total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity (RSA), reducing powers, and antioxidant activity of sesame meal extract; and several low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds such as 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methoxy-3-methylthio-phenol, 5-amino-3-oxo-4-hexenoic acid, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenol (sesamol), 3-hydroxy benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, vanillic acid, filicinic acid, and 3,4-dimethoxy phenol were newly formed in the sesame meal after roasting sesame seeds at 200°C for 60 min. These results indicate that antioxidant activity of defatted sesame meal extracts was significantly affected by roasting temperature and time of sesame seeds.     

Effect of Infrared Heating on the Formation of Sesamol and Quality of Defatted Flours from Sesamum indicum L.

ABSTRACT:  Infrared (IR) heating offers several advantages over conventional heating in terms of heat transfer efficiency, compactness of equipment, and quality of the products. Roasting of sesame seeds degrades the lignan sesamolin to sesamol, which increases the oxidative stability of sesame oil synergistically with tocopherols. IR (near infrared, 1.1 to 1.3 μm, 6 kW power) roasting conditions were optimized for the conversion of sesamolin to sesamol. The resultant oil was evaluated for sesamol and tocopherol content as well as oxidative stability. The defatted flours were evaluated for their nutritional content and functionality. IR roasting of sesame seeds at 200 °C for 30 min increased the efficiency of conversion of sesamolin to sesamol (51% to 82%) compared to conventional heating. The γ-tocopherol content decreased by 17% and 25% in oils treated at 200 and 220 °C for 30 min, respectively. There were no significant differences in the tocopherol content and oxidative stability of the oil. Methionine and cysteine content of the flours remained unchanged due to roasting. The functional properties of defatted flours obtained from either IR roasted or conventionally roasted sesame seeds remained the same.
Practical Applications: Sesame oil is stable to oxidation compared to other vegetable oils. This stability can be attributed to the presence of tocopherols and the formation of sesamol, the thermal degradation product of sesamolin—a lignan present in sesame. Roasting of sesame seeds before oil extraction increases sesamol content which is a more potent antioxidant than the parent molecule. The conversion efficiency of sesamolin to sesamol is increased by 31% by infrared roasting of seeds compared to electric drum roasting. This can be used industrially to obtain roasted oil with greater oxidative stability.     

The effect of popping,soaking, boiling and roasting processes on antinutritional factors in chickpeas and red kidney beans

This study was conducted to determine the effect that a popping head (like a rice cake machine), a low-shear and low-water processing technology, has on the concentration of antinutritional factors in chickpeas and red kidney beans. Seeds were popped under several parameters (popping time, sample format and equipment type) and analysed against soaking (1:5 w/v in reverse osmosis water for 24 h), roasting (100 g at 180 °C for 20 min) and boiling (1:5 w/v in reverse osmosis water at 100 ± 1 °C for 1 h) processes. Popping and roasting significantly reduced phytic acid content in chickpeas (6%–22%) and red kidney beans (16%–39%). In contrast, phytic acid content after soaking and boiling was not significantly different to raw seeds. Condensed tannins were significantly reduced in red kidney beans after soaking (74%), boiling (100%) and 4 s popping (28%–42%) treatments and increased in both pulses after roasting (137%) and 8 s popping (21%–47%). Further analysis showed that the soluble phenolic content increased with popping, but total and bound phenolic content was reduced. These results demonstrate that the high temperatures and pressures applied during the popping process effectively reduce antinutritional factors in pulses, compared to conventional processing methods.     

Seed composition of non-industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties from four regions in northern Morocco

This study aims to determine the chemical composition of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds of two varieties cultivated in four different regions of northern Morocco. The content of protein, insoluble fibre, ash, total phenols and flavonoids was found to be 19.25%–24.18%, 26.40%–37.40%, 3.72%–5.39%, 134.57–199.90 mg 100g⁻¹ and 39.40–69.54 mg 100g⁻¹ respectively. Oil contents ranged from 26.42 to 35.19 g 100 g⁻¹ of seeds in the four collection sites with variable oxidative stability at 100°C from 9.73 to 15.42 h. Total tocopherol content was between 376.46 and 796.06 mg kg⁻¹ of oil, with a dominance of γ-tocopherol. Fatty acids consisted mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (87.30-88.96%) with a predominance of linoleic acid (48.26%–55.39%). Triacylglycerols (TAGs) composition analysis revealed the presence of 18 TAGs with an equivalent carbon number of 38–48. The composition of TAGs was predominated by LLL (14.34%–22.62%), OLL (12.77%–18.78%) and LLLn (12.32%–18.59%). Furthermore, the majority of the evaluated parameters were strongly influenced by the varietal factor, growing area and their interaction. The knowledge of this composition variability in seeds of non-industrial Cannabis sativa varieties cultivated in northern Morocco could be useful in new Cannabis variety breeding programmes potentially valuable as non-conventional oil in cosmetic and agro-industry.     

LIPID CLASSES, FATTY ACID COMPOSITIONS AND TRIACYLGLYCEROL MOLECULAR SPECIES FROM ADZUKI BEANS (VIGNA ANGULARIS)

The lipids extracted from adzuki beans grown in Japan were classified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) into eight fractions. Molecular species and fatty acid distributions of triacylglycerols (TAGs) isolated from the total lipids in the beans were determined from a combination of argentation-TLC and gas chromatography. The major lipid components were phospholipids (PL; 63.5%) and TAG (21.2%), while hydrocarbons (5.1%), steryl esters (7.5%), free fatty acids (0.9%), diacylglycerols (1.3%) and monoacylglycerols (0.5%) were also present in minor proportions. Both major samples had high amounts of total unsaturated fatty acids, representing 62.1% for TAG and 65.9% for PL. Seventeen different molecular species were detected. The major TAG components were SMD (5.0%), S₂T (19.3%), SD₂ (13.8%), SMT (9.3%), MD₂ (4.5%), SDT (7.0%), D₃ (8.8%) and ST₂ (15.9%), where S, M, D and T denote a saturated fatty acid, a monoene, a diene and a triene, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This article describes the characteristics of lipid components, fatty acid compositions as well as the profiles of triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species of adzuki beans. α-Linolenic (18:3 n -3) acid was detected as 24.8, 21.2 and 15.2% in the TAG, total lipids and phospholipids, respectively. The oil from legumes, except the profitable fatty acid content, could be a potential source of tocopherols. The data obtained in this study would be useful to both consumers and producers for manufacturing traditional adzuki confectionaries ( wagashi ) in Japan and elsewhere.     

Lipase-catalyzed acidolysis of palm olein and caprylic acid in a continuous bench-scale packed bed bioreactor

Enzymatic acidolysis of refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) palm olein with caprylic acid was carried out in a continuous packed bed bioreactor to produce structured lipid (SL) that can confer metabolic benefits when consumed. Lipozyme^® IM 60 from Rhizomucor miehei, a 1,3-specific lipase, was used as the biocatalyst in this study. After 24 h of reaction, 30.5% of the total fatty acid content of the modified oil was found to be caprylic acid, indicating its incorporation into the palm olein. The triacylglycerols (TAGs) of palm olein after acidolysis were separated and were characterized by seven clusters of TAG species with equivalent carbon number (ECN), C28, C30, C32, C34, C36, C38 and C40. Caprylic–oleic–caprylic TAGs were predicted in cluster C32, which recorded the highest amount, with 35.3% of the total TAG. Fatty acid composition at the sn-2 position was determined, by pancreatic lipolysis, as C8:0, 9.2%; C12:0, 2.3%; C14:0, 1.8%; C16:0, 21.3%; C18:0, 4.7%; C18:1, 60.7%. Iodine value (IV), slip melting point (SMP) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analyses of SL were also performed. In IV analysis, SL recorded a drop of value from 60.4 to 48.2 while SMP was reduced from 13 to 4.2 °C, in comparison to RBD palm olein. DSC analysis of SL gave a melting profile with two low melting peaks of −15.97 and −11.78 °C and onset temperatures of −18.43 and −14.03 °C, respectively.     

SFC-Q-TOF-MS法鉴定4 种家畜乳甘油三酯及特征分析

对家畜乳尤其是特种家畜乳脂肪甘油三酯（triacylglycerols，TAGs）进行系统鉴定和研究。采集荷斯坦牛、山羊、蒙古马和双峰驼原奶样品31 份，用超临界流体色谱-四极杆飞行时间质谱（supercritical fluid chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry，SFC-Q-TOF-MS）检测鉴定TAGs组成，并进行主成分分析（principal component analysis，PCA）。结果表明：4?种家畜乳共鉴定出145?种TAGs，相对分子质量为470～888，酰基链总碳数为24～54，双键数为0～9；由14?种碳数4～20、双键数0～3的脂肪酸构成。牛、山羊、马和骆驼乳分别鉴定出60、66、74?种和44?种TAGs。马、骆驼、牛和山羊乳不饱和TAGs相对含量依次为82.2%、61.1%、51.7%和43.8%；马乳含亚麻酸的TAGs高达45.43%；骆驼乳TAGs脂肪酸组成最简单，至少含肉豆蔻酸、棕榈酸、硬脂酸和油酸中的一种；驼乳脂肪O-P-O相对含量最高，为5.04%，山羊乳脂肪最低，仅为1.8%；山羊乳主要TAGs都由饱和脂肪酸组成。4?种家畜乳的基峰色谱图差异明显，对TAGs进行PCA?4?种家畜乳样品以物种聚类明显分离，距离远近符合物种分类学，提示TAGs可建模判别家畜乳的物种。     

Unsaturated fatty acid enriched vs. control milk triacylglycerols: Solid and liquid TAG phases examined by synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction coupled with DSC

The fatty acid composition of milk triacylglycerols (TAGs) can be modified to improve their nutritional properties and the long-term health of consumers. However, the consequences of an increase in unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content on the physical properties of milk TAGs remain to be elucidated. This study aimed at comparing the crystallisation properties and melting behaviour of control vs. UFA-enriched milk TAGs using the coupling of time-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry on cooling and then heating at 3 °C/min. On cooling from the melt, high crystallisation temperature (HCT) TAGs solidify from 15.8 °C in α 2L (45–49 Å) structures, then low crystallisation temperature (LCT) TAGs form α 3L structures with a higher thickness (75.5 Å vs. 71.5 Å) and a delay (8.5 °C vs. 12.1 °C) for UFA-enriched TAG. On heating, melting of TAGs crystals and formation of 3L₂ (64.7–80.1 Å) and β′ 2L_f (40–44 Å) crystals associated with polymorphic reorganisations have been characterised. The organisation of TAG molecules in their liquid state revealed a higher thickness for UFA-enriched TAGs as compared to control TAGs. Such results improve the knowledge about the mechanisms of TAG crystallisation as a function of their FA composition and are important for the technological utilisation of UFA-enriched TAGs in food products.     

Identity of the major triacylglycerols in ovine milk fat

Ovine milk fat obtained from milk collected from five different flocks was studied to determine its triacylglycerol (TAG) composition using a combination of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. One hundred and thirty-four molecular species of TAG were identified, but not all could be quantified because some peaks contained more than one species of TAG. Fifty-one per cent of the identified species were trisaturated TAGs, 31% as monounsaturated TAGs and 18% as polyunsaturated TAGs. In terms of chain length, 58 of the TAGs identified (43% of the total) contained short-chain (C4 and C6) fatty acids (FAs), 94 (70%) contained medium-chain FAs (C8–C14) and 112 (84%) were composed of long-chain FAs (C16–C18). One hundred and twenty nine chromatographic peaks were detected. The sum of the 35 peaks, each representing>1 mol% of the TAGs, was 75% of total TAGs. Five peaks, each with>3.5 mol% included trisaturated and monounsaturated TAGs; quantitatively, the largest of these peaks (4.5 mol% of the total TAGs) contained two esterified monounsaturated TAGs with C4: 4,16,18:1 or 4,18,16:1, with the former being present at the highest levels. Comparison of the experimental values of TAG composition in ovine milk with the theoretical values derived from the experimental FA content showed that the distribution of the FAs in the TAGs was not random. The TAGs containing a short-chain FA were synthesized preferentially to those TAGs containing three medium- or three long-chain FAs. Our results for ewes’ milk were very similar to those for cows’ and goats’ milk despite the quantitative differences in the TAG profiles of the different species.