Nutrient composition of kopyor coconuts (Cocos nucifera L)

Kopyor coconuts (matured coconuts with broken meat particles in the watery endosperm due to abnormal formation of the kernel during the development of the fruits) were analysed for their proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibres, sugars, organic acids, fatty acid composition and amino acid profile. The chief constituent of kopyor water was sucrose (about 92% of the total sugar); in contrast, the young or normal-mature nut water contained glucose and fructose as the main sugars. alpha-Tocopherol was detectable in the kopyor water. Total amino acid content of kopyor water was higher than that of the young or normal-mature water. Like the young or normal-mature nut water, kopyor water seemed to be a good source of dietary minerals, with potassium as the predominant one. The relatively high contents of sucrose, glucose, fructose, citric and malic acids might contribute to the deliciousness of kopyor meat. The lipid content of kopyor meat was lower than that of the normal-mature meat, but fatty acid profiles were similar. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd