摘要：The physical examination of the fruit of African pear ( Dacryodes edulis ) selected from different parent trees was investigated, three-stage modified traditional method was used for the extraction of oil from the pulp and percentage yield was examined. The oil samples were characterized for physico- chemical properties . There was no significant difference (p<0.05) detected on some of the physical properties of the fruit and chemical characteristics of the extracted oil samples. The maximum values of physical parameters found were fruit weight 31±0.22 g, fruit length 6.64±0.1 cm, width II 2.86±0.1 cm and 18.9±0.12 g for pulp weight. The percentage oil yield range from 41-47%. The result of chemical properties showed a maximum of acid value 0.46 mgKOH/g, %FFA 0.26, saponification of 189.77 mgKOH/g, peroxide and iodine values of 22.75 mg/g and 37.11 wijs respectively. The oil physical properties discovered melting point of 78oC, smoke point of 185oC and flash point of 278oC. The results obtained in this study further reveal the potentials of oil from pulp of African pear as a substitute for conventional vegetable oil and industrial applications, since most of the values fells within the range of value for the reference standard.
