Abstract
Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) aril contains extraordinarily high levels of β-carotene and lycopene, and a significant amount of fatty acids. These nutrients have proved to be beneficial to humans. Recently, traditional extraction of Gac aril oil (using harmful organic solvents) has been discarded due to health concerns, environmental problems and quality degradation. It is important therefore to find a suitable alternative extraction method of Gac oil using food grade solvents or eliminating the use of solvents completely. Microwave-assisted extraction prior to hydraulic pressing, a novel alternative method for oil extraction offers several benefits: it is environmental friendly, solvent free, allows for reduced processing times and for uniform heating. This study aims to optimise Gac oil extraction conditions, including microwave time (MT), steaming time (ST) and working hydraulic pressure (HP), for maximising extraction efficiency (EE), β-carotene and lycopene, using response surface methodology.