Vitamin Profile Characterisation of Inflorescence Sap from Four Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Cultivars Grown in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The inflorescence sap of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) represents a food resource with substantial nutritional potential, yet it remains under-utilised in Côte d’Ivoire. This study aimed to determine the vitamin profile of sap obtained from four coconut cultivars: Malaysian Yellow Dwarf (NJM), West African Tall (GOA), and two hybrids (PB113+ and PB121+). The analyses were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results reveal the presence of mainly vitamin C in the sap, as well as vitamins B₁ (thiamine), B₂ (riboflavin), B₆ (pyridoxine) and B₁₂ (cobalamin). Their concentrations vary depending on the cultivar. Vitamin C is present in concentrations ranging from 11.24 mg/100 mL (GOA) to 43.12 mg/100 mL (PB121+). Vitamin B₁ ranges from 7.06 mg/100 mL (NJM) to 32.18 mg/100 mL (PB113+). As for vitamins B₂ and B₆, their values range from 1.12 mg/100 mL (GOA) to 3.56 mg/100 mL (PB121+) and from 2.35 mg/100 mL (NJM) to 17.82 mg/100 mL (PB113+). Vitamin B₁₂ appears in trace amounts of 0.41 µg/100 mL in GOA sap and 0.89 µg/100 mL in PB12 sap.  Principal component analysis (PCA) distinguished the PB113+ and PB121+ hybrids, which are characterized by higher vitamin C, B₁ and B₆ contents than the traditional GOA and NJM varieties. These results reveal that the sap extracted from the PB113+ and PB121+ hybrids, grown in Côte d'Ivoire, is naturally a vitamin-rich drink. Its processing on a small-scale or semi-industrial basis into syrup, table sugar, vinegar or natural energy drinks appears to be a very encouraging prospect for diversifying growers' incomes. The use of sap will contribute to food security, the local development of resources and the sustainable revival of the coconut industry in Côte d'Ivoire.