Production of Edible Copra and the Evaluation of Shelf Life
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Short the shelf life and high level of residual sulfur level are the major problem in Sri Lankan
Value Added (VA) copra.The acceptable limit of residual sulfur dioxide level in Sri Lanka is 50
ppm (SLS 98:1988). But most of copra manufactured in Sri Lanka contains more t han 100 ppm
residual sulfur dioxide levels. Residual sulfur levels allowed in the copra in European Union
(EU) is 10 ppm. Therefore it is necessary to reduce residual sulfur level in copra. Another
problem in VA copra is short shelf life and changes in color within six month period. Therefore
it is necessary to identify the factors limiting shelf life. Production cost of VA copra is high
compared with its value in the market. Indirectly heated copra dryers have the ability to produce
economical and high quality copra. Therefore this research was done to find out of TPC (total
plate count), yeast and mould and during production process and five month storage period, to
find out the residual sulfur levels during kiln drying and five storage period, to find out the
variation of moisture and temperature of copra during kiln drying and to find out most effective
value added treatment like glacial acetic acid and ozone treatment.
Methodology
The study was carried out at the AdamjeeLukmanjee and Sons (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo 14, Sri
Lanka.Residual sulfur dioxide levels were measured by following Standard No: SLS 98 test
method. And test was standardized by using Sodium sulfite Na2SO3. Total plate count (TPC) and
yeast and mould (Y and M) count were taken by adopting “oxoid” microbiology test methods and SLS 516 part 1 and 2. Study was conducted for residual sulfur dioxide determination,
Sodium Meta bi sulfite (SMS) three applications, Glacial acetic acid application (GAA) and
Ozone treated copra. For five month shelf life evaluation and for ozone treatment 2013
manufactured vacuum packed VA copra were used. Complete randomized design (CRD) was
used. Two trials were conducted in indirectly heated copra dryer which has been installed in
Pannala permisis belongs to Adamjee Lukmanjee and Sons (Pvt) Ltd. Performance was
evaluated by using operational cost calculation, TPC, Y and M and residual sulfur dioxide
calculation.Data was analyzed by MINITAB 16 statistical package.
Description
Keywords
Agriculture, Export Agriculture, Coconut Oil Production, Crop Production, Crop Production Technology