Abstract:
Coconut is an important food crop in Sri Lanka which is used in every household on daily basis for
culinary purposes. In fact, there are 17 different coconut varieties distributed over Sri Lanka yet, changes
in nutritional composition among these varieties remain unknown. The present study investigated a range
of proximate parameters (total ash, crude protein and oil content) and mineral composition (Na, K, Ca, Fe]
of coconut milk of three selected coconut varieties (Green Dwarf, CRIC 65 and SLT) at two maturity stages
[10 months and ]-3 months). Results of the proximate analysis of coconut milk showed that SLT contains
high total ash content(0.59o/o and 0.640/0, respectively) at both maturity stages and high crude
proteins(1.58o/o) at 13 months maturity. However, the highest crude oil content was reported from CRIC
65 variety at 13 months maturity (34.88%). Mineral composition analysis showed that Na, K and Ca
present in high concentrations in SLT at 13 months maturity, whereas, the highest iron level was observed
in matured coconuts of CRIC 65. Antioxidant activity was studied based on total phenolics content assay
and DPPH radical scavenging assay. The highest total phenolics content was detected in CRIC 65 variety at
both maturity srages [28.51 mg GAE/100 g and 12.79 mg GAE/100 g]. The highest radical scavenging
activity was shown by CRIC 65 variety (2.43mg/mL).ln the final analysis, SLT variety at 13 months
maturity stage can be recommended as the best for domestlc consumption. For oil extraction, 13 months
coconuts from CRIC 65 improved variety are more suitable.
