Financial Times

Coconut products with a difference
By Iromi Perera
The Coconut Research Institute had a variety of coconut-based products -- from skim milk to soap, to jewellery to musical instruments - on exhibition at its Diamond Jubilee Celebrations last week along many other novel products.

Virgin Coconut Oil, Carrot and Coconut Oil, Chili and Coconut Oil were some of the new coconut oils that were on display. A unique feature of the Virgin Coconut Oil is that, unlike the normal coconut oil, it is clear in colour as it is acquired in a slightly different process.

De-fatted coconut powder that is obtained from the virgin coconut oil process can be used to make biscuits, sweets, cheese and other foodstuff. The institute has also developed spread cheese in curry flavor, yogurt, mayonnaise and canned sambol. Rapid meltdown property of the fatty acids in coconut oil at body temperature makes them highly useful for several confectionery products, officials said.

Coconut paste, which is similar to coconut milk when diluted in water and is obtained from direct grinding of dried scraped coconut is another novel product developed by the institute.

It has longer shelf life, is healthier as the total nutrition of the coconut is contained in it and more convenient compared to coconut milk. Golden syrup, canned Toddy, energy drinks, soap that is free of animal fat, and many other products were also on exhibit. These products were developed by the Coconut Research Institute and are available to any organization or individual who wishes to market these products. "The technology can be bought at a very low cost.

Most of it is within one lakh (rupees)," said Dr. J. M. Nazrim Marikkar, Officer in Charge of the Coconut Processing Research Division. He said anyone who is interested should contact the Director of the Coconut Research Institute for further information.

Handmade coconut based products under the 'Poverty Reduction in Rural Community Through Coconut Based Intervention' scheme boasted a wide variety of exhibits. Musical instruments, bags, jewellery, ornaments, coconut wood products and many others were on display at this event.

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