Influence of microwave roasting on chemical composition, oxidative stability and fatty acid composition of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) oil

In this study, flaxseeds roasted at microwave (MW) powers of 180, 360 and 540 W for 5 and 10 min were evaluated for their influence on oil yield, chemical properties, carotenoid and chlorophyll contents, total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging activity (RSA), oxidative stability index (OSI), fatty acid composition and Maillard reaction products (MRPs). MW roasting at 540 W for 10 min significantly increased the oil yield, TPC, OSI, RSA, a* value, browning index, carotenoid and chlorophyll contents while decreased the L* and b* values of flaxseed oil (FSO). MRPs were detected only in oil of flaxseeds roasted at 540 W for 10 min. The level of stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids were slightly changed and FTIR spectra showed minor variation in peak intensities of oils from different MW roasted flaxseeds. MW roasting (540 W for 10 min) is recommended for improving quality and stability characteristics of FSO.