Oil loss in copra due to fungi: a review
1987
Fernandez, W. (Philippines Univ., Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines))
The composition of a mature nut of the Laguna Typica variety of coconut, its highest oil content in relation to maturity of the nut, and its oil composition in comparison with other vegetable oils are presented. Drying alone is no means a cure-all for storage problems of copra. Copra is subject to loss and deterioration during storage unless properly prepared and warehoused. The morphological structure of the solid endosperm is such that there is an uneven ditribution of moisture and oil in the different layers both in the fresh kernel and the copra. Fungi are ubiquitous in nature. Fungal infection of the copra takes place on the surface-opposite the testa, which is not an avenue of infection. The molding moisture of copra was discussed and the fungi found in copra were cited. Losses in oil, protein and nitrogen-free extract and increased fatty acids are presented. The avoidable loss in oil due to fungi may reach 30 to 40%. Suggested measures should be adopted to avoid such losses.
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