Determination of quality of coconut oil manufactured in Ampara district with selected quality parameters

Abstract

Coconut oil, commonly used edible oil in Sri Lanka, has number of health benefits such as cholesterol-lowering effects, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, weight loss, improved cognitive functions, and antimicrobial activity. Demand for coconut oil rapidly increases. Coconut oil is produced on small to large scale. In Ampara district, there are numerous small-scale traditional coconut oil producers that produce oils that lack of proper knowledge and scientific practices. This study is designed to compare selected quality parameters of coconut oil produced locally with SLS standards (SLS 32:2017). Oil samples were collected from Addalaichenai, Akkaraipattu and Pottuvil. The free fatty acid (FFA), moisture, and peroxide value (PV) were determined using standard methods. The results obtained were the mean values for free fatty acid, moisture, and peroxide value ranged from 1.069±0.15 to 1.1402±0.38 mg NaOH/g oil, 0.3486±0.00 to 1.7920±1.49 % and 1.0913±0.47 to 1.8836±0.55 meq /kg respectively. All three samples had higher moisture and free fatty acid content than the standard value (0.4 and 0.8) respectively, and lower peroxide value (>3). A significant difference was observed in peroxide value, which was lower than the SLS value, whereas the moisture content and free fatty acid value were not found to be significantly differ across all areas. The local manufacturers must improve their oil processing scientifically and hygienically, so as to improve the quality on par with the SLS standards and to provide quality oil to the consumers. However, modern scientific manufacturing methods should be introduced by the local manufacturer.