Abstract:
Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is a natural isotonic beverage, which has gained a significant
popularity for its potential health benefits and refreshing taste. Knowledge about the properties
of coconut water of different varieties is essential for consumers, researchers and producers to
make informed decisions. This research endeavors to conduct a comprehensive scientific analysis
comparing the water quality of six distinct coconut varieties namely Sri Lanka Green Dwarf, Sri
Lanka Red Dwarf, Ran Thambili, Gon Thambili, CRIC 60, and CRIC 65. Thus, a range of physical
(whole nut weight (kg), nut-circumference (cm), color (L*a*b*), nut-water volume (mL), specific
gravity), chemical (pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity), nutritional (proteins, fats, total
sugars and minerals (Na, K)), and functional (total phenolic content, flavonoid content and
antioxidant activity) characteristics of coconut water taken from coconuts at 11 months maturity
were examined. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA. Considering
the physical properties, all the tested attributes except for color were found to be significantly
varied among the tested varieties. pH, TSS and sugar content were found to be significantly varied
(p<0.05) among the varieties while the titratable acidity showed no significant difference. All the
tested varieties found to be rich source of K+ (344.3±43.5 to 854.5±21.7 mg/L). The total phenol
and flavonoid contents were high in Gon thambili (7.85±2.58 mg GAE/100 mL, 0.260±0.061mg
QE/mL respectively) whereas CRIC 65 contains high antioxidant content (10.507±1.102 mg
Trolox/g). It can be concluded that coconut water is a replenishing nutrient rich beverage for the
human body and mature coconut water regarded as a waste in coconut processing industries, can
be used as a potential source for value addition.
