Isolation, Characterization and Identification of PotentialProbiotics from Fermented Tender Coconut Water

Abstract

Tender Coconut Water is a refreshing beverage that comes from tender coconuts. It is a powerhouse of nutrition containing a complex blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, antioxidants, enzymes, health enhancing growth hormones, and other phytonutrients. History and folklore credit coconut water with remarkable healing powers, which medical science is now confirming. Published medical research and clinical observation have shown that coconut water, Makes an excellent oral rehydration sports beverage; Aids in exercise performance; Reduces swelling in hands and feet; Aids in kidney function and dissolves kidney stones; Protects against cancer; Helps balance blood sugar; Provides a source of ionic trace minerals; Improves digestion; Contains nutrients that feed friendly gut bacteria (Fife, 2007). Within India the demand for tender coconut water has been increasing over the years. Of the total production of coconut in India, nearly 20 per cent is harvested in tender form, which was only 5 per cent in 2000. At present about 3200 million tender coconuts are consumed annually in India. In a metro city like Mumbai, the annual tender coconut turnover handled by some 40-50 wholesalers is estimated to be around Rs. 750 million. The nutrient content of fresh and fermented tender coconut water was identified. Identification of microorganism was done on fresh tender coconut water and fermented tender coconut water.
Standardization of the fermented tender coconut water was done. The formulated drink was tested for its antimicrobial property with E.coli, Salmonella typhi and Enterococcus faecalis and it was seen that it had
good effect. The pH of the fermented tender coconut water was found to be 3.98 and the alcohol percentage 2.91 %. Sensory evaluation was done for the fermented tender coconut water in combination with fruit juices in the ratio 1:1 and it was rated as good on a score of 5 by the panel members. Therefore fermented tender coconut water is a nutritious drink that has good acceptability and palatability. It is an easy to prepare fermented drink which has potential probiotics in it which is good for the gut.