
Moisture and Fat Analysis of Coconut Products
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Abstract
Coconuts can be processed into countless products, including
coconut milk, coconut flour, dried meat (copra) and coconut
oil. At each step, it is critical for processors to properly control
moisture and fat content. In this application note, we show how
the SMART 6™ and the ORACLE™ systems allow processors to
rapidly and directly analyze coconut samples for moisture and
fat, allowing for real-time optimization of the process and of
production profitability.
Introduction
Coconut is a versatile agricultural product with countless health
benefits. There are many value-added products that processors
can derive from coconut, including coconut oil, coconut water,
coconut milk, desiccated coconut and coconut flour. These
products find a wide range of applications in food & beverages
and cosmetic & personal care industries. Huge demand for
coconut oil in the cosmetics industry and a significant increase
in its popularity in food applications are likely to drive the
coconut oil market. Active and health-conscious consumers
have shifted their preference toward natural alternatives
to caffeinated and sugar-based energy drinks. Hence, the
demand for coconut water as a natural energy drink is growing
rapidly, due to its nutritional properties, such as electrolytes
and nutrients. Coconut flour offers food manufacturers with a
health-conscious, gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.
Each individual product created during coconut processing must be carefully controlled for moisture (or total solids) and fat. For example, coconut flour with too much moisture will be prone to spoilage and agglomeration. Additionally, controlling fat content throughout the process ensures efficient extraction of coconut oil, which is a high-value product. The SMART 6 and ORACLE systems combine rapid moisture and fat analysis to provide coconut processors, and food & cosmetic manufacturers with direct, reliable results in approximately five minutes.
Each individual product created during coconut processing must be carefully controlled for moisture (or total solids) and fat. For example, coconut flour with too much moisture will be prone to spoilage and agglomeration. Additionally, controlling fat content throughout the process ensures efficient extraction of coconut oil, which is a high-value product. The SMART 6 and ORACLE systems combine rapid moisture and fat analysis to provide coconut processors, and food & cosmetic manufacturers with direct, reliable results in approximately five minutes.