Description:COCONUT SAP BASED COMPOSITION WITH HIGH NUTRITIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC VALUE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to food industry, particularly it relates to a nutritious drink prepared using a coconut inflorescence sap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the midst of changing food habits, people are fond of nutritive products from nature without any preservatives. Harvesting of nutritional foods and drinks from nature for inducing immunity, disease resistance and activating the health as medically tailored food has enormous marketing potential at global value. Food as medicine has become a trend of biotech industry today. At national and international level, there are good numbers of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements claim as natural. But the health value of such products is still doubtful due to the addition of artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

[0003] One of the natural products is a coconut inflorescence sap, which comprises all essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and carbohydrates required for enhanced immunity and disease resistance. However, the coconut inflorescence sap kept at room temperature for a couple of hours undergoes fermentation.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Consequently, the present invention addresses the problem described in the prior art by providing a novel formulation of a nutritive rich natural product from harvested non-alcoholic inflorescence sap of a coconut with a shelf-life of more than one year without preservatives.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel composition of inflorescence sap of coconut which has good shelf life even without using additives and preservatives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention, a nutritive rich composition is provided. The nutritive rich composition is prepared from a coconut inflorescence sap. The nutritive rich composition is a naturally enriched composition comprising many nutrients and proteins required for human health with a shelf-life of more than a year without preservatives. Thereby, eliminating a need for additional artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

[0007] In an embodiment, the nutritive rich composition is prepared from a harvested non-alcoholic exudate from the coconut inflorescence sap.

[0008] In another embodiment, the nutritive rich composition is prepared by i) collecting the freshly harvested coconut inflorescence sap from a plantation, ii) micro filtrating the coconut inflorescence sap using a cheese cloth for removing coarse and minor particles, iii) collecting the filtered coconut inflorescence sap in a steel vessel for pasteurization at 75ºC for 15 minutes in an aseptic environment for removing innate microbes, and iv) subjecting the pasteurized coconut inflorescence sap to a rotary vacuum evaporator at 80 rpm and 80ºC till a brix value of the coconut inflorescence sap reached up to 40-50, thereby obtaining the nutritive rich composition of semisolid viscous that is stored in a sterile glass bottle.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the nutritive rich composition is blended with dried powder or fresh pulp of fruits comprising one or more of: fig, papaya, pineapple, banana, and jackfruit, to enhance taste and flavour of the nutritive rich composition.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a method for preparing a nutritive rich composition is provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 are flowcharts illustrating method steps of a method performed for preparing a nutritive rich composition according to an embodiment; and

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a nutritive rich composition according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention discloses a nutritive rich composition, which is purely a natural product prepared/developed from a freshly harvested non-alcoholic exudate from a coconut inflorescence otherwise called as inflorescence sap (inflo-sap). The nutritive rich composition may also be referred to as concentrated coconut inflorescence sap, nutritive composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap, NUTRICON C (as the composition is enriched with Vitamin C), or the like.

[0015] In an embodiment, the harvested coconut inflorescence sap is collected from coconut tappers at plantation site. The harvested coconut inflorescence sap is further processed to a concentrate of proteins, sugars, Vitamins A, C, B2, B3, B6, minerals with rich potassium, iron, sodium and all essential amino acids with good content of cysteine and arginine, or the like.

[0016] In an aspect of the present invention, the nutritive rich composition is a semisolid viscous formulation derived from the coconut inflorescence sap without diminishing nutritional quality. For example, 200 gm of the nutritive rich composition may be prepared from 1 litre of the sap and it can be stored in room temperature without microbial contamination and without any change in physical and chemical properties like texture, color, sweetness etc.

[0017] The protocol of developing the nutritive rich composition from the coconut inflorescence sap is simple and rapid. The four major steps of processing are:
1. Collection of freshly harvested coconut inflorescence sap from the plantation. The brix value of the sap was checked by using refractometer and confirmed 15 as standard.
2. Microfiltration of the coconut inflorescence sap using a cheese cloth for removing coarse and minor particles.
3. The filtered coconut inflorescence sap is collected in a steel vessel for pasteurization at 75ºC for 15 minutes in an aseptic environment for removing innate microbes.
4. The pasteurized coconut inflorescence sap is subjected to rotary vacuum evaporator at 80 rpm and 80ºC till the brix value reached up to 40-50. Thereby, obtaining the nutritive rich composition of semisolid viscous that may be stored in a sterile glass bottle. The nutritional composition of the nutritive rich composition/concentrated coconut inflorescence sap along with minerals, vitamins and amino acids are demonstrated in Table 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Table 1: Nutritional composition of the nutritive rich composition/concentrated coconut inflorescence sap
Food Energy 74.86 K.cal/100ml
Protein 0.28%
Carbohydrates 17-18%
Fat 0.18%
Total Minerals 0.3%
Aminoacids 0.25%
Vitamins (A,B2,B3,B6 & C) 0.08%
*Glycemic Index – Less than 50
Table 2: Vitamin Profile of composition of the nutritive rich composition/concentrated coconut inflorescence sap
Vitamin B2 15.4µg/100ml
Vitamin B3 210µg/100ml
Vitamin B6 30µg/100ml
Vitamin C 65mg/100 ml
Vitamin A(as retinol) 459µg/100ml (1529IU)

Table 3: Mineral content of composition of the nutritive rich composition/concentrated coconut inflorescence sap
Sodium (Na) 31 mg/ 100 ml
Potassium (K) 198 mg/ 100 ml
Iron 0.36 mg/100 ml
Zinc 40 μg / 100 ml
Phosphorous) 8.5 mg/100 ml
Magnesium 6 mg / 100 ml
Calcium 1.8 mg/ 100 ml
Manganese 10 μg / 100 ml
Selinium 10 μg / 100 ml
Copper 27 μg / 100 ml

Table 4: Amino Acid (Essential Amino Acids) Profile of the nutritive rich composition/concentrated coconut inflorescence sap
Phenylalanine 1 mg/ 100 ml
Valine 2.19 mg/100 ml
Threonine 3.95 mg/ 100 ml
Methionine 12 mg/ 100 ml
Leucine 470 μg / 100 ml
Isoleucine 2.19 mg/ 100 ml
Lysine 0.96 mg/ 100 ml
Histidine 99.6 mg/ 100 ml
Cysteine 14 mg/ 100 ml
Arginine 67 mg/ 100 ml
Tyrosine 7.11 mg/ 100 ml

[0018] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating method steps of a method 100 performed for preparing the nutritive rich composition.

[0019] At step 102, the method 100 comprises preparing the nutritive rich composition from a harvested non-alcoholic exudate from the coconut inflorescence sap. The nutritive rich composition is naturally enriched composition comprising vitamins, minerals, and proteins required for human health with a shelf-life of more than a year without preservatives.

[0020] Sub-steps of step 102 performed for preparing the nutritive rich composition is described in Figure 2.

[0021] As described in Figure 2, at step 102a, the method comprises collecting the freshly harvested coconut inflorescence sap from a plantation. At step 102b, the method comprises micro filtrating the coconut inflorescence sap using a cheese cloth for removing coarse and minor particles. At step 102c, the method comprises collecting the filtered coconut inflorescence sap in a steel vessel for pasteurization at 75ºC for 15 minutes in an aseptic environment for removing innate microbes. At step 102d, the method comprises subjecting the pasteurized coconut inflorescence sap to a rotary vacuum evaporator at 80 rpm and 80ºC till a brix value of the coconut inflorescence sap reached up to 40-50, thereby obtaining the nutritive rich composition of semisolid viscous that can be stored in a sterile glass bottle, as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0022] Optionally, at step 104, the method 100 comprises blending the nutritive rich composition with dried powder or fresh pulp of fruits to enhance taste and flavour of the nutritive rich composition. Examples of the fruits may include, but are not limited to, fig, papaya, pineapple, banana, jackfruit, and so on.

[0023] The present novel composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap is the embodiment of a rich nutritive formulation for the growth and development of human body. As delicious semisolid preparation in texture, the composition/product can be utilized as different variants.

[0024] In another embodiment, the present composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap (i.e., the nutritive rich composition) may also be prepared/developed from other palms like Borassus species with same texture and quality. As a water soluble product, the present composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap may be mixed with water and used as a NATURAL HEALTH DRINK for all the people. Based on the natural sweetness and semi-solid texture, the said composition may be used as a natural jam by mixing with other components. For example, the dried powder or fresh pulp of fruits like fig, papaya, pineapple, banana, jackfruit, or the like may be blended with composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap for preparing ‘JAM’ without adding any preservatives and the traditional ingredients of jam preparation.

[0025] The advantages of the nutritive composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap (nutritive rich composition) are as under:

[0026] Easy to Prepare: In today’s generation where time plays a major role, people prefer easy to cook wholesome food products. The present nutritive composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap enables a person to prepare a natural health drink by just mixing it with water which is extremely time effective.

[0027] High in nutrition as well as tasty: The nutritional drink prepared from the nutritive composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap is healthy as well as tasty. The nutritive composition contains proteins, vitamins and minerals in substantial percentage.

[0028] Preservative free and no artificial additives: The nutritive composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap is a natural product and thus is absolutely preservative free and no artificial additives making it a healthy food product.

[0029] Improved shelf-life: The nutritive composition of concentrated coconut inflorescence sap has an improved shelf life of over one year when stored in room temperature without microbial contamination, fermentation and without any change in physical and chemical properties like texture, color, sweetness,etc.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A nutritive rich composition being prepared from a coconut inflorescence sap, the nutritive rich composition is a naturally enriched composition comprising vitamins, minerals, and proteins required for human health with a shelf-life of more than a year without preservatives.

2. The nutritive rich composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nutritive rich composition is prepared from a harvested non-alcoholic exudate from the coconut inflorescence sap.

3. The nutritive rich composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nutritive rich composition being prepared by;
i. collecting the freshly harvested coconut inflorescence sap from a plantation;
ii. micro filtrating the coconut inflorescence sap using a cheese cloth for removing coarse and minor particles;
iii. collecting the filtered coconut inflorescence sap in a steel vessel for pasteurization at 75ºC for 15 minutes in an aseptic environment for removing innate microbes; and
iv. subjecting the pasteurized coconut inflorescence sap to a rotary vacuum evaporator at 80 rpm and 80ºC till a brix value of the coconut inflorescence sap reached up to 40-50, thereby obtaining the nutritive rich composition of semisolid viscous that is stored in a sterile glass bottle.

4. The nutritive rich composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nutritive rich composition is blended with dried powder or fresh pulp of fruits comprising one or more of: fig, papaya, pineapple, banana, and jackfruit, to enhance taste and flavour of the nutritive rich composition.

5. A method (100) for preparing a nutritive rich composition, the method (100) comprising:
preparing (102) the nutritive rich composition from a coconut inflorescence sap, wherein the nutritive rich composition is a naturally enriched composition comprising vitamins, minerals, and proteins required for human health with a shelf-life of more than a year without preservatives.

6. The method (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the nutritive rich composition is prepared from a harvested non-alcoholic exudate from the coconut inflorescence sap.

7. The method (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step (102) of preparing the nutritive rich composition comprises:
i. collecting (102a) the freshly harvested coconut inflorescence sap from a plantation;
ii. micro filtrating (102b) the coconut inflorescence sap using a cheese cloth for removing coarse and minor particles;
iii. collecting (102c) the filtered coconut inflorescence sap in a steel vessel for pasteurization at 75ºC for 15 minutes in an aseptic environment for removing innate microbes; and
iv. subjecting (102d) the pasteurized coconut inflorescence sap to a rotary vacuum evaporator at 80 rpm and 80ºC till a brix value of the coconut inflorescence sap reached up to 40-50, thereby obtaining the nutritive rich composition of semisolid viscous that is stored in a sterile glass bottle.

8. The method (100) as claimed in claim 5, further comprising blending (104) the nutritive rich composition with dried powder or fresh pulp of fruits comprising one or more of: fig, papaya, pineapple, banana, and jackfruit, to enhance taste and flavour of the nutritive rich composition.