Coconut

The main coconut producing countries are SriLanka and the Philippines. Coconut water is a refreshing drink which also hygienic and nutritive. The white flesh is a calories rich extensively used for cookery in South India. From grated wet coconut kernel good quality oil as well as protein and carbohydrate can be extracted to prepare coconut honey. Undesirable flavour changes in desiccated coconut is due to oxidative rancidity of the oil. The residual cake after the oil has been extracted is used as cattle food.

The dried coconut meat is known as copra and is the source of coconut oil, which is used in enormous quantities for making fats for baking and confectionery. An important product used in the chocolate and confectionery industry is desiccated coconut. The nut is removed from the hard shell and the thin brown rind pared off. This must be very thorough or the finished coconut will be contaminated by flecks of brown. The pared nuts are then washed free of milk and skin residues and put through shredding machines, which give a milled product of varying degree of fineness. After shredding, the ground meat is subjected to a steam or hot water treatment to destroy salmonellaand lipases and to reduce bacteria counts to low levels. The pasteurized meat is then dried on wire mesh belts by means of hot air, which reduces the moisture content to less than 4%.  The critical moisture level of desiccated coconut is 5% and the product should be well below this to ensure good shelf life.

After drying, the desiccated coconut is put through a multiple sieving operation to produce the four main grades. Extra fine, macaroon (fine), medium and coarse. A variety of other coconut products is available to the chocolate and confectionery trade such as, moist white sweetened coconut, toasted coconut, creamed coconut and tenderized coconut.

Top quality desiccated coconut should be white in colour, free from foreign matter, and uniform in granulation against standard, and the expressed oil should have a free fatty acid content of less than 0.1%.

Extraction of Coconut Oil

The coconut is the most extensively grown and used nut in the world. About 10 million people in India and several million of people in other tropical regions depend on the coconut plant for their livelihood.  India is the third largest coconut producing country of the world with an area of about 1.12 million hectares contributing to 18% of world production. India produces about 6000 million nuts annually. A whole coconut consists of 50% husk, 15% shell, 25% meat and 10% water.

The coconut shells contain 34% cellulose, 36% Lignin, 29% pentosans and 1% Ash.

COMPOSITION OF FRESH COCONUT KERNEL AND COPRA

Traditional method

The coconut oil is traditionally extracted from copra. The copra can be obtained by separating the coconut meat from the whole coconut shell followed by sundrying and smoke drying for about 6 to 8 days. The copra is then chopped to small sizes and cooked by heating the small pieces of copra in a cooker for about 30 mins. The oil is squeezed out from cooked copra by an expeller and then filtered by a filter press.

Mechanical extraction of coconut oil from the fresh coconut meat

The processes and operations involved in modern mechanical expression of coconut is given below.
The coconut shells are cracked and the coconut meat is separated. 
The fresh coconut meat is chopped and sliced into thin flakes of the desired size. 
The thin flakes of coconut meat are cooked in a cooker by heating them at an elevated temperature for 90 mins. 
The oil is expelled from the heat treated cooked coconut meat (at a temperature of about 70°C) in an oil expeller. The oil is stored in an air tight container in a dark cool and dry place for a log and safe storage.

.VALUE ADDED COCONUT PRODUCTS

Coconut has been used as staple part of the diets of almost all Polynesian and many Asian people for centuries. It is used as food, as flavouring and made into beverages. Today’s young consumers depend heavily on conventional food. It is in this sector that coconut has a good chance to increase its use. The important products of coconut in our country are whole coconut (tender and mature), copra, toddy, neera, gur, coconut palm candy, sugar, vinegar etc. and few novel recipes like coconut boli, banana coconut cake. Coconut is a tasty food adjunct is well recognized. To use coconut in preparations, the consumer has to break the nut transversely into two, shred into gratings and then process further. On the other hand, if coconut gratings, its rich milk and even prepared foods are available as such on the shelves of the market, surely consumers, especially the younger generation will be generated to encouraged to use them in preparations much more.

Coconut honey

Coconut honey is a product from coconut water containing many growth promoting trace elements besides glucose, fructose and levulose. Coconut water was filtered, evaporated and blended with a little golden syrup to produce coconut honey, a palatable nutty flavored breakfast food, soft drinks additive and a sweetener

Coco sauce

A tangy sauce can be prepared from coconut water with red chilli, onion powder and little vinegar

Coconut lemonade

It was prepared by boiling coconut water, sugar and lemon juice. It is traditionally a popular drink in Kerala

Nata-de-coco **

Nata from fresh liquid endosperm of the matured coconut was collected and filtered by using cheese cloth. It was pasteurized after adding 8 per cent sucrose, 0.5 per cent ammonium sulphate and adjusting the pH to 4.5 by adding acetic acid. The medium was developed by inoculating Acetobacter acetii at 10 per cent and incubated at room temperature for about two weeks. After two weeks a gel like mass developed with a film like layer on the top. The film was then removed and the mass was cleaned and cut into cubes. The cubes (nata) were further processed to improve the colour, flavour and taste by soaking it in sugar syrup. The nata can be used to decorate desserts, ice cream, puddings and fruit salad

COCONUT KERNEL OR WHITE MEAT **    

The preservation and pickling of coconut was done by soaking the coconut kernels in brine solution maintained their colour, flavour, texture and taste and resembled like fresh coconut for 90 days. The salt and acid penetration in pickle is directly proportional to the concentration in the soak solution. The steeped coconut kernel were kept for 90 days under study, in which there was a remarkable reduction in reducing sugar, total sugar and free fatty acid content was increased gradually. The moisture content after storage ranged between 38.05 and 38.61 per cent.

The fresh coconut kernel could be preserved as long as for 3 to 6 months in the from of pieces and scrapings by steeping in a solution containing 4 per cent salt, acetic acid, sulphur dioxide and antioxidant. The product required washing in water prior to use.

Desiccated coconut **

Desiccated coconut, the edible dried-out shredded coconut meat was prepared from fresh kernel of fully matured coconut and it is available in coarse, medium and fine grades and also in special grades such as threads, strips, granules etc. Good desiccated coconut is crisp, snow white in colour with a sweet, pleasant and fresh taste of coconut kernel. Desiccated coconut, a commercial product was manufactured from the white part of the meat after removing the brown parings. The meat was shredded or disintegrated and dried in hot air driers at 140-170oF to 2 per cent moisture content and used in the manufacture of cakes, pastries and chocolates. Desiccated coconut is the disintegrated, white kernel of coconut processed under strict hygienic conditions and dried to a moisture content of below 3.0 per cent. It is a food product which is ready and fit for direct human consumption.

Products from desiccated coconut **

The matured coconut kernels were steam blanched and soaked in sugar syrup of 30o brix for a period of 48hrs.The drained pieces were sulphited for 20 min and dried in the cabinet drier at a temperature of 60  for 8 h. Storage studies proved that sugar acts as an osmotic agent for the preservation of coconut. Osmotically dehydrated coconut was well suited for the preparation of products in the homes as well in commercial units. 

The desiccated coconut powder (2%) or soy protein concentrate (SCP) (4.5%) was used in the preparation of mango bar, which increased the percentage of protein. The total soluble solids of pulp was raised to 30 brix with powdered cane sugar adding 0.6% citric acid and drying in an air cabinet drier at 63 + 2 for 14h.

Coconut powder was used in the preparation of ragi based convenience mixes viz., sweetened and spiced mix. The other ingredients for sweetened mix were puffed ragi flour, sugar, beaten rice flakes, cardamom, coconut powder and puffed ragi flour, sugar, dehydrated coriander leaves, hydrogenated fat, coconut powder and groundnut for spiced mix. In sweetened mix, addition of beaten rice improved the colour but increased the rate of lipid oxidation while incorporation of coconut powder lowered the lipid oxidation.  

The value added products from coconut, such as dehydrated coconut (both savoury and sweet), ready-to-use coconut chutney mix, coconut kuruma mix, coconut rice mix and coconut burfi mix was developed.  Acidified salt solution and sugar syrup were used as osmotic agents for the preparation of dehydrated coconut for savoury and sweet dishes. The dehydrated coconut (savoury) was prepared by soaking the blanched coconut scrapings in the soak solution containing 1.0 per cent salt, 1.0 per cent acetic acid and 250 ppm of SO2 without antioxidant (T1) and with antioxidant (T2) for 24 hr and dried in the cabinet drier at 60° C for 4 to 5 hr (upto 4.0 % moisture).  The treated and dehydrated coconut samples were packed in 300 gauge polyethylene bag without vacuum and with vacuum and stored at room temperature to observe the storage behaviour.

Coconut Chips *

Coconut chips, the thinly sliced crispy coconut meat which may be sweetened or salted and may come in handy as a ready -to- eat snack food. It was prepared by slicing the coconut meat of eleven to twelve month old nuts thinly into strands, soaked in syrup, drained and dried in a dryer or oven.

Coconut Crisps*

Coconut crisp is prepared from the young coconut endosperm of nine to ten month old nuts. It is white in colour, has pleasant coconut flavour and does not leave any fibrous feeling after taste. It was processed by slicing the meat into 0.6-0.7mm thickness, blanched in boiling water, cooked in light syrup and then dried which is considered as a high energy food and of a good quality product.

Roasted young coconut*

Roasted young coconut was prepared by a process in order to sweeten its water and tender meat as well as to enhance their flavour. The process consisted of preliminary steps and the nuts were boiled in a solution (2% sodium meta bi- sulphite) for 20 min, dried and burnt for finishing touch and it was exposed to the fire for a minute or until the shell itself showed signs of burning. The fruit was kept at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for larger storage.

Honey roasted coconut*

Honey roasted coconut, a sweet, thinly sliced crispy coconut meat, eaten as a snack food. Sliced matured coconut meats was mixed with honey sugar, margarine, sweeten condensed skim milk, molasses and salt and dried in oven for half an hour. Then it was agitated frequently for 15 min until it become crispy, cooled and packed.

Dehydrated sweet coconut*

Young coconut meat was used for preparation of dehydrated sweet coconut. The coconut meat was washed with water and then soaked in coconut water, again washed with clean water. The meat was cut into pieces mixed with refined sugar and water in the ratio of 6:3:1 and boiled for 1 h or until it is dried, cooled and packed.

Dehydrated coconut chutney **

Dehydrated coconut chutney using simple hot air drying technique was developed. It reconstitutes well in cold water and had all the characteristics of fresh chutney. The product had a shelf life of 3 months at 37  and 6 months at ambient temperature when packed in flexible pouches.

Coconut milk**

Coconut milk refers to the milky fluid, freshly extracted from the coconut kernel with or without added water and coconut cream to the high-fat cream-like material obtained from the coconut milk by either gravitational separation or centrifugation.

Coconut milk was prepared by blending skim milk powder with coconut milk obtained from freshly grated coconut and pasteurized at 70-72  for 10min. It contains 6 percent skim milk powder and 9.65 percent total solids (Agrawal, et al. (1991). Coconut milk, a generic term for the aqueous extract of the solid coconut endosperm, plays an important role in the cuisines of South East Asia as well as in other parts of the world.

Fermented beverage from coconut skim milk using different combinations of coconut skim milk and non-fat dry milk and the culture used was Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Based on sensory evaluation, 50  per cent of coconut skim milk: 50 per cent of non- fat dry milk ratio was the most acceptable formulation. The ready-to-drink fermented beverage concentrate (diluted at 1:3) contains protein (1%), fat (0.74%), sugar (18.70%) and water (79.25%). The fermented beverage concentrate was found to be stable even after 2 months of storage and coconut skim milk can be utilized successfully for the processing of cultured milk. 

Coconut cream, the concentrated milk extracted from fresh matured coconuts can either be used directly or diluted with water to make various curry preparation, sweets, desserts, puddings etc. Processed and packed coconut cream had a shelf life of six months and once opened it should be stored in refrigerator for subsequent use. Coconut cream, a concentrated form of coconut milk, which is a convenient product prepared from mature and fresh.

Coconut syrup

Coconut syrup, a translucent, free-flowing liquid was prepared by cooking coconut milk with an equal amount of refined sugar and di-sodium-phosphate equivalent to 0.25 per cent of the volume of the milk, until the mixture attained a TSS content of 68-70 per cent. The hot mixture was poured in sterile containers and sealed hermetically. It was used as a topping for bakery products or as a mixer in alcoholic drinks or may be diluted in water and used in cooking rice cakes and other delicacies.

Coconut honey

Coconut honey is viscous, free-flowing syrup, similar to coconut syrup but less creamy and less nutty in flavour was used as topping for pancakes and waffles. One part of skim milk was mixed with ½ part of refined sugar and ½ part of glucose, and then blended with sodium alginate at 0.5 per cent as stabilizer. Coconut cream may be added to improve the flavour of the product. The mixture was heated for 15 minutes, homogenized and cooked with constant stirring in steam-jacketed kettle to a TSS of 75 per cent. It was poured hot into sterile containers and then sealed hermetically.

Sweetened condensed coconut milk

Coconut skim milk was used in the preparation of sweetened condensed coconut milk.  Powdered dairy skim milk was added for protein fortification and other ingredients were corn oil, coconut cream and sugar. The skim milk was first pasteurized for 30 mins at 80-90  and mixed with other ingredients. The mixture was blended or passed through a colloid mill, and heated in a steam jacketed kettle with constant stirring to a TSS content of 68%. It was packed hot in sterile tin cans and cooled immediately in cooling tanks.

Coconut candy *

Coconut candy was prepared from grated coconut meat mixed with coconut milk. The grated coconut was moistened with a portion of the milk. The remaining milk and the molasses were poured in a cooking pan, and the mixture was heated to boiling. Refined sugar was added and the mixture was cooked until it gets hardened when dropped into cold water. It was then poured in butter-greased pans, allowed to cool slightly, cut into desired sizes and individually wrapped in cellophane sheets.

Coconut milk powder

Coconut milk powder was prepared by dehydrating the milk under controlled conditions. The composition of the milk was adjusted with fat percentage in the range of 50-60 per cent of the total solids. The emulsifiers and stabilizers were also added to the formulation. The most crucial step was the dehydration stage for which spray drier was employed at high temperature (around 180 ). Instant dehydration takes place converting each tiny droplet into microcapsules with fine droplet of the oil inside 

Coconut flour**

Coconut flour is a unique product prepared from coconut residue. Coconut flour, a by-product in the processing of coconut milk, can provide not only value-added income to the entrepreneurs but also a nutritious and a healthy source of dietary fiber for the consumers. It can be used as fillers, bulking agents and substitute for wheat flour, rice flour and potato flour at certain levels and incorporated into various food products like baked products, snack foods, steamed and extruded products. One by-product of coconut is the “sapal” from coconut meal, taken after extraction of the coconut milk. The “sapal” was made into coconut flour which contains dietary fibre. The utilization of coconut sapal may have some health benefits and may encourage the industry to produce value added products or functional foods which may help in the proper control and management of chronic diseases. This offers scope for utilization of coconut flour as a dietary component for diabetes. Low-fat, high fibre coconut flour, a unique product from sapal is a good source of dietary fiber. It is comparable with other cereal flour in terms of carbohydrate, fat and energy content and a good ingredient in nutraceuticals.

Tender coconut water concentrate

Coconut water concentrate was prepared using fresh coconut water collected under hygienic condition. Suspended solids and oil in the samples were removed by means of three way centrifuge. The removal of the solids and oil was necessary in order to minimize fouling of the membranes. The salts present in coconut water may be removed if desired, prior to concentration, to produce a very sweet product. This is achievable by passing the centrifuged coconut water through a mixed-bed ion exchange resin. The concentrate can be frozen or preserved in cans and used as base for the production of carbonated and non-carbonated coconut beverage.

Crystallized fruit was prepared using candied fruit coated with sugar or sugar crystals and allowed to deposit on it. Crystallized candy made with tender coconut kernel can be consumed as a snack. Tender coconut kernel in sugar syrup can be used as a dessert or incorporated in ice cream, custard or pudding.

Coconut jaggery

Sweet toddy if carefully collected in sterile glass vessels remains unfermented for a considerable time. It can be strained and boiled down to the crystallizing point, to obtain 12-15 per cent jaggery with nutritional and medicinal value. The reducing sugars and minerals made it more nutritious and health friendly.

Coconut vinegar

Vinegar was produced from fermenting coconut toddy and was commonly used in the preparation of fish and meat dishes. If toddy was fermented for more than 24 hours and acidification was done for 10-14 weeks and the resultant was coconut vinegar.

FLOW CHART FOR THE DEHYDRATION OF COCONUT**

READY TO USE BURFI MIX*

Ingredients

Method

The dehydrated coconut scrapings were powdered coarsely using mixie. The powdered sugar and cardamom were added to the coarsely powdered coconut and mixed thoroughly.

READY-TO-USE COCONUT CHUTNEY MIX**

Dehydrated coconut scrapings, roasted Bengal gram, ginger, garlic, green chillies, curry leaves, tamarind and salt were ground to get uniform slurry. The prepared slurry was seasoned in oil with mustard and curry leaves. The seasoned chutney was dried at 60  for 6 h in a cabinet drier. For rehydration, 60 ml of water was added to the ready-to-use coconut chutney mix and allowed to stand for 2 minutes.

COCONUT COOKIES *

Ingredients    

Method

• Sieve the flour
• Placed all the ingredients in a bowl except cherry and kneaded well
• Made small balls and placed it on a greased tray one inch apart.
• Placed a piece of cherry above the ball.
• Baked at 275°F for about 12-20 minutes.

TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE

*    - Post Harvest Technology Centre, TNAU, Coimbatore.
**  - Home Science College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai.

Source

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