Results and Findings

The main outcome of our project is an interactive database available on our website. This database offers detailed insights into the authenticity of oil across different regions, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.

This database enables producers and traders to use the Fatty Acid Profile, Tocopherols, and Sterols Profile to verify the authenticity of their oil.

From data collected during this project, a clear differentiation could be made between the samples collected from different regions. A variation regarding micro and macro components was observed between baobab oil extracted at the lab and baobab oil received from producers and traders. There were no noticeable variations in the micro and macro components of marula oil extracted at the lab vs. marula oil received from producers and traders.

Although it was not the focus of the project, it was observed that there was variation in the quality of the oil received from different producers and traders. The contributing factors could not be determined with the limited information that we had received from the suppliers regarding the processing of the oil. However, it was noted that oil extracted in the laboratory exhibited better values for quality parameters.