Mineral composition of table sugars from the sap of the inflorescences of 03 coconut (Cocos Nucifera L.) cultivars in Ivory Coast

Abstract

To enhance the value of the nucicultural sector in Côte d'Ivoire, initiatives have been taken to diversify the use of coconut trees by producing sugar from their inflorescences. The study focused on table sugar produced from the sap of the most popular varieties in Côte d'Ivoire. These are the improved hybrids PB121 + , PB113 + and the cultivar GOA. Mineral analysis of coconut sugar reveals the presence of 12 minerals including 8 macroelements. Potassium is the major macroelement of coconut sugars. The trace elements of coconut sap sugar are iron, copper, zinc and bromine. These trace elements are in small quantities in brown sugar and do not exist in white sugar. Thanks to their richness in minerals, mainly potassium and iron, the coconut sugars produced can participate in the maintenance of cardiac automatism, favouring digestion and assimilation. They can make up for iron deficiencies and fight against anaemia.

Coconut Sugar: Chemical Analysis and Nutritional Profile; Health Impacts; Safety and Quality Control; Food Industry Applications

“…It can be added to juice, tea, or any beverage as a sweetener, and can be employed as a seasoning agent. Adding coconut sugar to several food applications as a healthy option is well justified because it contains important nutrients like vitamins E and C, minerals like zinc, iron, potassium, and phosphorus, and phytonutrients like anthocyanidins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants [ 3 , 20 , 35 ]. This kind of sugar also contains a significant amount of inulin (4.7 g 100 g −1 ), required for generating short-chain fatty acids like acetate, butyrate, and propionate [ 15 ].…”