Quality of unprocessed cooled fresh coconut water manually extracted by street vendors

Karoline Soares,Antônio Costa,Luana Silva,Daniela Morais,Jean Silva,Vilson Góis

doi:10.1590/1808-1657000512016

Karoline Soares, Antônio Costa + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1808-1657000512016

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Abstract

ABSTRACT: Coconut water is a versatile beverage that is rich in nutrients, has few calories, and presents functional and therapeutic characteristics, improving the well-being and health of consumers. However, the growth of deteriorating microorganisms is facilitated by its water activity and high nutrient content; and when combined with improper handling, this product may become a carrier of foodborne diseases. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of unprocessed cooled fresh coconut water manually extracted by street vendors. Twelve samples of coconut water were collected and subjected to physicochemical (total titratable acidity, pH, and total soluble solids) and microbiological (mesophilic, and psychrotrophic microorganisms, molds, yeasts, and thermotolerant and total coliforms) analyses. The physicochemical analysis showed variations of 4.3-5.4 for pH, 0.01-0.03 for total titratable acidity, and 2.8-6.3 for total soluble solids. The microbiological analysis showed high contamination in the samples by deteriorating microorganisms, with 58% of the samples contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, regular use of good hygiene practices for handling manually extracted coconut water is necessary to physicochemically and microbiologically standardize this product. Thus, ensuring the quality of the coconut water when it is manually extracted by street vendors and trade as an unprocessed, cooled, and fresh beverage and consequently minimize consumer’s health risks.

Highlights

MATERIAL AND METHODSThe increasing search for healthier and more nutritious foods improved the demand for coconut water in recent years, because this beverage is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, electrolytes, inorganic salts, has low-caloric value (ARAGÃO et al, 2001 ) and pleasant taste and aroma (LIMA et al, 2015)
Scientific studies have reported the low quality of coconut water trade by street vendors, which justifies the concerns about the quality of this beverage (HOFFMANN et al, 2002, ALBUQUERQUE et al, 2011; SANTOS et al, 2013)
The objective of this paper was to evaluate the quality of unprocessed cooled fresh coconut water manually extracted by street vendors

Summary

Introduction

The increasing search for healthier and more nutritious foods improved the demand for coconut water in recent years, because this beverage is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, electrolytes, inorganic salts, has low-caloric value (ARAGÃO et al, 2001 ) and pleasant taste and aroma (LIMA et al, 2015). This drink has functional and therapeutic characteristics that benefit human health, aid in gastrointestinal processes and in functions related to the cardiovascular system (CESÁRIO et al, 2009). Scientific studies have reported the low quality of coconut water trade by street vendors, which justifies the concerns about the quality of this beverage (HOFFMANN et al, 2002, ALBUQUERQUE et al, 2011; SANTOS et al, 2013)

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