Effect Of Processing (Drying) On The Nutrient Content Of Two Varieties Of Coconut In Abia State :- Kanu, Abigail S

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effect of processing on two varieties of coconuts obtained in Abia State, Nigeria. Using the following objectives, Assessed the proximate composition of the two coconut varieties obtained in Abia State, the mineral (sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, copper) content of two coconut varieties and the vitamin (Vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, ascorbic acid Vitamin E) content of two coconut varieties, the study analyzed the nutrition compositions of the processed coconuts. The result showed that moisture ranged from 29.84% to 33.46% green and yellow dried coconut, protein 8.37% to 9.05% yellow and green dried coconut, Crude fat 34.02% to 35.93% yellow and green dried coconut, Crude fibre 8.03% to 5.40% green and yellow dried coconut, Ash 2.45% to 1.77% yellow and green dried coconut, carbohydrate content 13.67% to 18.00% yellow and green dried coconut. Mineral Composition ranged from Potassium 630.72(mg/100g) to 595.85(mg/100g) yellow and green dried coconut, Magnesium 390.84(mg/100g) to 404.04(mg/100g) yellow and green dried coconut, Phosphorous 190.67 (mg/100g) to 197.53 (mg/100g) yellow and green dried coconut, Sodium 356.28(mg/100g) to 330.73(mg/100g) yellow and green dried coconut, Manganese 13.75(mg/100g) to 13.27(mg/100g) yellow and green dried coconut, Cupper 0.405 (mg/100g) to 0.362 (mg/100g) yellow and green dried coconut. Vitamin Compositions ranged from Vitamin A 0.875 mg/100g to 0.820 mg/100g yellow and green dried coconut, Vitamin B₁ 0.2250 mg/100g to 0.2750 mg/100g yellow and green dried coconut, Vitamin B₂ 0.1900 mg/100g to 0.2250 mg/100g yellow and green dried coconut, Vitamin C 17.12 to 15.44 mg/100g yellow and green dried coconut and Vitamin E 25.38 to 22.94 mg/100g yellow and green dried coconut. In conclusion, the nutrient analysis results of the present investigation show that two varieties of coconut were a good source of various nutrients. A remarkable variation was seen in the nutrient contents of the two coconut varieties.