Application of Pulsed Electric Fields PEF on Pecan Nuts Carya illinoinensis Wangenh. K. Koch: Oil Extraction Yield and Compositional Characteristics of the Oil and Its By-product

Pecan nut oil is conventionally obtained by mechanical extraction characterized a low yield (OEY) compared to solvent extraction. Pulsed electric fields (PEF) have been employed as pretreatment enhance OEY from several oilseeds, but no studies found regarding tree oil. Hence, PEF was applied at different specific energy inputs (0.5–17.6 kJ kg−1) evaluate its impact on OEY, acidity, and antioxidant capacity (AC), along with total phenolics (TP), condensed tannins (CT), AC of the by-product generated Kernels treated were against untreated soaked kernels due sample water immersion during processing. The reduced initial content PEF-treated (7.3–11.7%), transferring between 3.8 ± 0.0 6.2 0.1 g into soaking ( $${o}_{SW}$$ ). OEYTOTAL samples calculated considering . application 0.5 kg−1 increased 21.4 17.6% kernels, respectively, while acidity within values reported for pecan highest concentration TP CT in achieved 0.8 kg−1, increasing 9.5 30.1%, kernels. Results evidenced that processing might be suitable technology increase nuts, extracted must recovered. Furthermore, displayed an enhanced phenolic compounds potential food ingredient.