The solid fat content (SFC) of palm kernel stearin was measured using both wideline and pulse nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers. For pulse NMR both the Direct Display Method and the Indirect Calculation Method were applied. The results obtained by the two methods showed large discrepancies at 30°C. The Direct Display Method consistently gave significantly lower values at the critical temperature of 30°C than did the Indirect Calculation Method, while the latter gave results comparable to those by the wideline NMR Method. There were no significant differences at the other temperatures. It is recommended that either the Indirect Calculation Method of pulse NMR or wideline NMR be used in the measurement of the SFC of palm kernel stearin.

Keywords: nuclear magnetic resonance(nmr), palm kernel stearin, solid fat content