NUTRIENT CONTENT EVALUATION OF DERIVED LIQUID AND LYOPHILIZED MILK FROM DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA)

Abstract

The end use and product development research of the coconut palm have been on the increase due to its medicinal/nutritional roles and the income accruable from its products This study is aimed at assessing the nutrient composition of derived coconut milk and lyophilized milk from the meat of the two(dwarf green and yellow) varieties of coconut (cocos nucifera), The nutritional composition (Potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, riboflavin, thiamine, moisture and ascorbic acid)assessment in the products revealed the presence of both micro and macro nutrients which differ significantly (at P < 0.05 levels) between the coconut varieties. The derived coconut milk could serve the purposes of cow milk and other milk products. The lyophilized milk could be rehydrated and used like any liquid milk when desired. Conclusively, the study revealed the presence of the nutrients required for daily healthy living, growth and development of man in the products.Keywords: Coconut milk, lyophilized milk, Coconut, Dwarf green coconut, Dwarf yellow coconut.