Composition of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. Cv. Fiji Dwarf) Edible Endosperm and Physicochemical Properties of its Oil

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most important oil producing crops in the world. It has enormous industrial and health benefits. To affirm the foregoing, the proximate and physicochemical constituents of the oil extracted from the edible endosperm were determined. The results showed that percentage moisture, protein, ash, crude fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate had respective values of 42.39 %, 6.21 %, 1.04 %, 17.18 %, 8.95, and 23.69 %. The edible mesocarp
has high amount of mineral elements such nitrogen, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Whereas, elements such as sodium, manganese, magnesium, copper and chlorine occurred in low quantity. The physicochemical properties of the oil showed a refractive index of 1.46, specific gravity of 0.92 g/cm3, acid value of 2.15 %, free fatty acid of 1.08 %, saponification of 125.980 mgKOH/g and iodine value of 2.89 indicating that the oil is good for consumption. Given, the results of
proximate and mineral compositions, the edible endosperm could therefore be considered as good source of energy and alternative source of dietary supplement for human nutrition.