Chemometrics as a tool to discriminate geographical origin of Cyperus esculentus L. based on chemical composition

[EN] In the present study the chemical composition of Cyperus esculentus L. (tiger nut) from four distinct geographical origin (Spain, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa) was assessed to observe the possible effect of the cultivation site in the fatty acids profile, sterols composition, and squalene and -tocopherol content. It was verified that the individual fatty acids as well as the different fatty acids fractions were severely affected by the geographical origin. Tiger nut oils were predominantly monounsaturated with lower prevalence of saturated fatty acids, and with capability to provide appreciable amounts of essential fatty acids. The sterols fraction was affected as well, but in lowe…