Effect of harvest time on seed oil and protein contents and compositions in the oleaginous gourd Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl

BACKGROUND: The stage of fruit ripeness at the time of harvest determines the final quality of ripe fruit. In this study, changes in the chemical composition of seed kernels from the oleaginous gourd Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. during maturation were evaluated to determine the best time to harvest the berries. Two cultivars (round and oval berry) were studied at three maturation stages (30 and 50 days after fruit set (DAFS) and complete plant whiteness (CPW)). RESULTS: Seed kernels were rich in oil (527.2–544.6 g kg⁻¹), protein (402.8–403.3 g kg⁻¹), minerals and energy. Maturation influenced the chemical compounds of the two cultivars differently. Best quantities of these components were reached at 50 DAFS. However, protein bioavailability was better at 30 DAFS and CPW in the round and oval berry cultivars respectively. Lagenaria siceraria oils were of good quality, containing an abundance of essential fatty acids (647.2–667.0 g kg⁻¹). CONCLUSION: Both cultivars of L. siceraria should be harvested at 50 DAFS owing to the good nutritional properties of their seeds and oils. However, to obtain best‐quality proteins, round and oval berry cultivars should be harvested at 30 DAFS and CPW respectively. The results of this study will be useful in reducing the production time of fruits and improving the nutritional quality of their seeds. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry