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COCONUT
Coconut Products
Tender Coconut Water
The water of tender coconut, technically the liquid endosperm, is the most nutritious and natural isotonic beverage with the same level of electrolytic balance as is in human blood. It has caloric value of 17.4 per 100 g. Tender coconut water is usually marketed from 7-8 month old coconut The tender coconut water is used against dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhoea. It is also a substitute for saline glucose. The water is sterile when it opened, it is also used as a culture medium for microbiological work.
Coconut water has no fat or cholestrol. It is low in calories and carbohydrate and has a natural balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and mercury making it healthy electrolyte drink.
The major nutrients contained in coconut water:
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0.1% |
| Carbohydrates | 4% |
| Fat | <0.1% |
| Mineral matter | 0.4% |
| Sodium | 15 mg/100 g |
| Potassium | 312 mg/100 g |
| Calcium | 29 mg/100 g |
| Magnesium | 30 mg/100 g |
| Iron | 0.01 mg/100 g |
| Copper | 0.04 mg/100 g |
| Phosphorus | 37 mg/100 g |
| Sulphur | 24 mg/100 g |
| Chloride | 183 mg/100 g |
Approximate analysis of mature coconut water
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total solids | 3.9 - 5.5 |
| Reducing sugars (as invert sugar) | 0.23 - 1.30 |
| Additional reducing sugars after inversion (sucrose) | 0.93 - 3.15 |
| Ash | 0.50 - 0.84 |
The acetic acid present in fermented coconut water was used in Sri Lanka during second world war period for coagulating rubber. Coconut water is now used for the manufacture of nata de coco.Several methods have been developed for increasing the shelf life of tender coconut water. FAO has been granted the first ever UN Patent for coconut water preservation. Coconut water is becoming popular as a sports drink because of its high potassium and mineral content which help the body recover from rigorous exercise.
Last updated: 29-04-2008
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