Synthesis of margarine fat from sesame oil and palm stearin by chemical interesterification

The production of margarine fat is not only intended to be free from Trans Fatty Acid (TFA) but is also expected to have a higher quality from a nutritional aspect. In this research, margarine fat from sesame oil (SO) and palm stearin (PS) by a chemical interesterification was synthesized. Chemical interesterification is one of the processes used to modify the physico-chemical characteristics of oils and fats. An attempt to chemical-restructure palm stearin and sesame oil to form margarine fat which is suitable for margarine was investigated using sodium methoxide as a catalyst. The effect ratio of PS/SO in color, slip melting point, solid fat index, texture and triacylglycerols (TAGS) profile of margarine fat were studied in research. This research was conducted by three major stages; characterization of sesame oil and palm stearin, synthesis of margarine fat by physical blending and chemical interesterification, and characterization of margarine fat. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with one factor, namely the ratio of sesame oil and palm stearin. Margarine fat produced with different variations of the raw material concentration ( w/w SO:PS = 30:70; 40: 60; 50:50, 60:40, and 70:30). Chemical interesterification caused: rearrangement of triacylglycerols, reduction of S3 and U3 and increase in S2U and U2S type TAGs content of all blend, resulting in lowering of melting point, solid fat index and increase texture. Margarine fat in the ratio of SO:PS = 60:40, has a similar characteristic (texture, slip melting point, solid fat index, and TAGS profiles) which margarine commercial, so has the potential to be developed in the manufacture margarine industry. © 2021 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources.