ABSTRACT
This study investigated the relationship between coconut maturity stages and the sugar, amino acid, and mineral profiles of coconut water (CW). Metabolite profiles were analysed using 1H NMR, covering glucose (G), fructose (F), sucrose (S), reducing sugars (RS), total sugars (TS), amino acids, and organic acids. Mineral composition was measured using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MPAES). The results revealed distinct metabolite and mineral profiles across different maturity stages. Immature CW had high G/F and RS/TS ratios but low S/G ratios. Conversely, mature CW showed decreased G/F and RS/TS ratios but an increase in S/G. Mineral analysis revealed potassium as the predominant mineral in CW, peaking in the youngest stage and declining with maturity. Sodium, magnesium, and calcium showed a similar pattern, with higher concentrations in early than in later stages. The study identifies the age of 9-10 months as optimal stages for selecting tender coconut water.
