Comparative analysis of the water quality of six different coconut varieties grown in low country intermediate zone of Sri Lanka.

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.