Nutritional profile and functional properties of coconut water marketed in the streets of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

Abstract

Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, has several coconut water sale points in the streets. This natural beverage was very appreciated by people. Coconut waters from several varieties of coconut trees were proposed to consumers. Thus, the biochemical, nutritional, and microbiological properties of coconut water could be influenced by the variety of coconut tree. The purpose of this study was to provide the social and scientific data of coconut water sold in Abidjan streets. The study has been carried in two steps. The first step aimed to determine the knowledge level of coconut water and the reasons for consumption and the second phase regarded to analyse physicochemical, biochemical and functional properties of coconut water samples from different varieties of coconut trees. The survey through questionnaire revealed that coconut water was well known by consumers (100%) and it was consumed for its strengthen (33.33%), digestive (29.33%) and refreshing (28.34%) properties. Physicochemical, biochemical and functional properties were influenced by the variety of coconut tree. Microbiological quality of all samples in this study was not acceptable. Microbial load requires Aerobic Mesophilic Germs (AMG) to have a count of less than 5.103 UFC/mL, fewer than 10 total coliforms, and no faecal coliforms. Coconut water samples from coconut tree dwarf (CWD) were characterized by contents of fat (0.335%), titratable acidity (0.202%), total flavonoids (0.381 µg/mL QE), total phenols (0.177 µg/mL GAE), proteins (0.291%), phosphorus (0.05 mg/L) and energy value (20.21 Kcal/100 mL). The coconut water samples from coconut tree tall (CWT) were characterized by calcium (1.14 mg/L), pH (5.59), ash (0.470%), total soluble solids (5.06 °Brix), moisture (94.96%) and Calcium phosphorus ratio contents (Ca:P) (57). The coconut water samples from the streets (CWS) were characterized by contents of fiber (0.0355%), carbohydrate (4.38%), dry matter (5.09%), (total coliforms ((1.4 ± 0.4)108)CFU/mL, aerobic mesophilic germs ((4.7 ± 1.2)109)CFU/mL, antiradical activity (DPPH) (65.14±0.005%), condensed tannins (0.260±0.05 µg/mL CE) and of phosphorus (0.05 mg/L). Overall, statistical analyses showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the samples. In sum, although coconut water is a natural beverage, it may not be appropriate for human consumption in some cases.