J. Trop. Agric.

and
L. Kamariah, Fd. Sc.
A. Azmi, A. 36(2)(2008):
Rosmawati, M.G.000– 000 M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai
Wai Ching,

Physico-chemical and quality characteristics of virgin coconut oil

– A Malaysian survey
(Ciri-ciri kimia fizikal dan kualiti minyak kelapa dara – Tinjauan di Malaysia)

L. Kamariah*, A. Azmi*, A. Rosmawati*, M.G. Wai Ching*, M.D. Azlina*,

A.  Sivapragasam**, C.P. Tan*** and O.M. Lai****

Key words: identity characteristic, quality characteristic, virgin coconut oil, contaminant

Abstract
A total of 10 virgin coconut oil (VCO) samples from Malaysian market were
collected and analysed for their physico-chemical and quality characteristics.
Two of the samples were produced using MARDI’s technologies i.e. dry and
wet processes. The remainders of the samples were produced either through
natural fermentation or mechanical process. The analyses were divided based on
physico-chemical characteristics and quality characteristics. As for the physico-
chemical characteristic, eight types of analysis were performed i.e. relative
density, refractive index, saponification value, iodine value, unsaponification
matter, specific gravity, slip melting point and fatty acid composition. In addition,
six types of analysis were carried out to determine the quality of the VCO.
Physico-chemical characteristic analysis of all VCO samples fall within narrow
ranges. However, for quality characteristics, some samples showed bad quality oil
especially for the free fatty acid and peroxide value. The percentage of free fatty
acid obtained from these samples were >0.5% and peroxide value >3 meq/kg.
Total plate counts of most samples were zero. In terms of contaminants, copper,
lead and arsenic were found to be below detectable levels except for iron. A few
samples had high iron content (more than 5 mg/kg) which may enhance oxidative
deterioration in the oil.

Introduction from consuming VCO have been recognized

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is the miracle in many parts of the world. One of the
oil for health, beauty and strength. It has emerging applications of VCO is its medical
abundant utility in the functional foods, use and functional benefit to human health.
health foods, pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, Coconut oil in its virgin form is clear
infant foods and cosmoceuticals and thus in colour and has a distinct coconut flavour
has multifunctions and uses in human life. and aroma. VCO may mean the minimally
The health and benefits that can be derived processed product which has not undergone

*Biotechnology Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Serdang, P.O. Box 12301, 50774 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
**Rice and Industrial Crops Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Serdang. P.O. Box 12301, 50774
   Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
***Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
****Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang,
     Selangor, Malaysia
Authors’ full names: Kamariah Long, Azmi Azali, Rosmawati Abdullah, Mary Goh Wai Ching, Azlina Mohd. Danial,
Sivapragasam Annamalai, Tan Chin Ping and Lai Oi Ming
E-mail: [email protected]
©Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute 2008


Virgin coconut oil

any further processing such as refining, analysed to identify possible authentication.

bleaching and deodorization. It can be Such determinants will prevent incidences
produced either from processing of fresh of VCO adulteration with cheaper oils
coconut meat, coconut milk, or coconut milk as well as allowing enforcement of food
residue. regulations in Malaysia. VCO prices in
VCO is known for its medium chain the Malaysian market in 2006 are between
triglycerides (MCT) and high content of RM20/120 ml and RM60/120 ml. This paper
lauric acid (about 50%). In vitro studies reports a survey on the physico-chemical
showed that these medium chain fatty acids and quality characteristic of VCO in the
and its corresponding monoglycerides have Malaysian market.
antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties
including human pathogens like herpes Materials and methods
simplex virus and antiprotozoal (Kabara Ten samples of VCO were selected
1978; Shibasaki and Kato 1978; Welsh et and analysed for physical and chemical
al. 1979; Thormar et al. 1987; Isaacs et al. characteristics. Two samples of VCO namely
1995). A and B were produced using MARDI’s
Currently there are many types and technologies i.e. dry and wet processes.
brands of VCO available in the Malaysian The remaining eight samples of VCO
market. Most of them were VCO from were purchased from suppliers in Malaysia
countries likes Indonesia and the Philippines and were coded as samples C, D, E, F, G,
where prices are relatively cheaper. They H, I, and J. Samples C, D, E and J were
are produced either by natural fermentation produced through natural fermentation
or mechanical process. The fermentation process whereas samples F, G, H and I were
process involves splitting the nut, grating obtained through mechanical process.
the meat to fine particles, squeezing the The relative density of the oil
milk either manually or mechanically with was measured at 25 °C by using 50 ml
or without adding of water and allowing the pycnometer (with stopper fitted with
milk to ferment for 36– 48 h. The skim milk calibrated thermometer) according to ISO/
at the bottom is discarded, the oil is filtered FDIS 6883 (2000).
and the cream which contains part of the The refractive index of the oil was
oil is gradually heated to further recover the measured according to ISO/FDIS 6320
oil. On the other hand, mechanical process (1999) at 40 °C, using a refractometer
uses minimal heat to quick-dry the coconut equipped with sodium vapour lamp as light
meat and the oil is pressed using coconut oil source. Refractive index of the oil was
expeller. Methods which can separate the oil measured within the range nD= 1.3000 to
from the water include boiling, fermentation, 1.7000.
refrigeration, enzyme and mechanical The saponification value determination
centrifugation. was determined as described in AOCS
The quality and physico-chemical (1997). Samples were saponified with 0.5 N
characteristics of the VCO produce are very potassium hydroxide solution. The samples
much dependent on the process and the were then titrated with 0.5 N hydrochloric
raw materials used. Because of the growing acid with phenolphthalein solution as an
popularity of VCO, the price and demand indicator.
for VCO has increased. There is also the Iodine value of oil samples was
possibility of oil adulteration in which determined by Wijs method as described in
VCO is blended with other oils to give a PORIM (1995). 0.1 N sodium thiosulphate
product of unknown and variable quality. It solution was used to titrate the liberated
is thus essential that the physico-chemical iodine.
and quality characteristic of the VCO be


 L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai

Unsaponifiable matter in the oil was then weighed to determine the amount of
determined according to AOCS (1997). insoluble impurities present in each oil
Saponification of the oil was first done with sample.
ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution. The colour of the oil was determined
Extraction of the unsaponifiable matter was with a Lovibond tintometer (10 mm light
then carried out with petroleum ether for at path). Results were expressed in red and
least six times. yellow values according to ISO/FDIS 15305
The specific gravity of oil sample was (1998).
determined using 50 ml pycnometer (with Total viable count in oil sample
stopper fitted with calibrated thermometer) was determined according to the method
as described in AOCS (1997). recommended by Messer et al. (1984).
Slip melting point of oil was About 1 ml of oil sample was aseptically
determined using AOCS (1997). Heat was poured/spread onto a petridish containing
increased at rate 1 °C/min to heat the oil plate agar (Oxoid). The oil sample was
sample in capillary tube. As the slip point then mixed/spread immediately and was
was approached, the rate was slowed to incubated at 32 °C or 37 °C for 48 h.
0.5  °C/min. The temperature at which the Colony formed was then counted and
oil in column rose was reported as the slip expressed as cfu/ml.
melting point. The content contaminant such as
Fatty acid composition of VCO was iron, copper and lead in oil sample was
determined using gas chromatography determined according to AACC (1994) by
(GC  Hewlett Packard 5890 Series II, SGE using inductively couple plasma-optical
30 m x 0.25 i.d. BPX5 column) with a FID emission spectroscopy (ICP/OES). A
detector according to the AOCS (1997). calibration curve of concentration of iron,
Helium was the carrier gas. About 0.5 µl copper and lead (standard solution) against
sample was injected into the system at absorbance was plotted to determine the
200  °C injector temperature. The oven was concentration of each element in test sample.
operated isothermally at 170 °C for 12  min. The trace amount of arsenic in oil
The amount of free fatty acid present sample was determined according to
in oil sample was determined according AOAC (2005) by using atomic absorption
to the method of Cocks and Van Rede spectrophotometry (AAS) equipped with
(1966) with slight changes. Five grammes arsenic hollow cathode lamp and arsenic
of sample was weighed and titrated with electrodeless discharge lamps. A calibration
0.02 N sodium hydroxide solution using curve of concentration of arsenic (standard
autotitrator (Mettler Toledo DL50) and end solution) against absorbance was plotted to
point titration was employed. determine the concentration of arsenic in test
The peroxide value of the VCO was sample.
determined according to PORIM (1995). In The matter volatile at 105 °C in oil
this method, the liberated iodine is titrated sample was determined according to ISO
with 0.01 N thiosulfate. 662 (1998). The test sample was heated at
Moisture content of oil was determined 105 °C until moisture and volatile matter
according to AOCS (1997). Karl Fisher were completely removed and the loss
Mettler DL 38 Coulometer was used. End in mass was recorded. The result was
point titration was determined by Karl expressed in percentage by mass.
Fisher reagent.
Insoluble impurities of oil were Results and discussion
determined according to ISO 663 (1992). Relative density
Materials insoluble in petroleum ether The density of vegetable oils is temperature
were collected in Gooch crucible and were dependent and decreases in value when


Virgin coconut oil

temperature increases (Table 1). In this

experiment, analysis was carried out at

24.8 ± 0.2461
20  °C. The relative density of the VCO in

Slip melting
point (ºC)
this survey ranged from 0.9185 to 0.9194
with a standard deviation of 0.0003. The

24.8
24.7
24.9
25.0
24.3
24.6
24.4
24.9
25.0
24.9

24.3
25.0
value obtained from this survey was
very close to the Asian Pacific Coconut
Community (APCC) standard range

gravity (at 30 °C)

0.9180 ± 0.0017
(0.915–0.920).

Refractive index (RI)

Specific

0.9152
0.9154
0.9164
0.9190
0.9195
0.9180
0.9195
0.9182
0.9197
0.9187

0.9152
0.9197
The RI of the oil measures the extent
to which a beam of light is refracted on
passing from air into oil. This can be a
useful characteristic in that the determination

Unsaponification

0.116 ± 0.0184
is carried out with ease, speed and precision,

matter (% )
using small amounts of oil. The RI can
also be used for establishing oil purity. It is

0.150

0.085

0.135

0.100
0.130

0.085
0.135
0.115

0.110

0.110
0.110

0.115
generalized that the RIs of oils increase with
increase in the number of double bonds.
With increase in temperature, the RIs of oil

6.11 ± 0.642
decrease. The RI can also be influenced by
value (%)

oxidative damage of the oil. For VCO in this

Iodine

survey, the RI was measured at 40 °C. This

6.1
5.6
5.6
7.1
6.1
5.7
7.3
5.7
5.5
6.4

5.5
7.3
means RI was at 1.4471 with a standard
deviation of 0.0001 (Table 1). The range of
the RI was found to be very narrow from

260.5 ± 1.4428
Saponification
value (mg/g)

minimum 1.4467 to maximum 1.4472.

Saponification value (SV)

259.0
260.6
259.8
261.1
260.2
259.9
260.2
261.9
263.7
258.8

258.8
263.7
The SV is a measure of the free and
Table 1. Physio-chemical characteristics of virgin coconut oil

esterified acids present in fats and oils. It

measures the average molecular weight
0.9190 ± 0.0003 1.4471 ± 0.0001
index (at 40 °C)

or equivalent weight of fatty materials in

the oils. The range was minimum 258.8 to
Refractive

maximum 263.7 mg KOH/g oil with mean

0.9190 1.4470
0.9192 1.4467
0.9188 1.4472
0.9185 1.4471
0.9192 1.4472
0.9194 1.4472
0.9189 1.4471
0.9190 1.4471
0.9190 1.4471
0.9187 1.4470

0.9185 1.4467
0.9194 1.4472

at 260.5 mg KOH/g and a standard deviation

of 1.4428 (Table 1).

Iodine Value (IV)

The IV of oil is a measure of its total
unsaturation. It is defined as the percentage
Relative
density

by weight of which an oil or fatty acid

will absorb halogens such as iodine under
the test conditions. In palm oil, it is an
important characteristic in determining the
Mean ± SD
Value range

yield of olein during fractionation process.

Sample

The mean IV of VCO was 6.11% with

  Max
  Min

minimum of 5.5% and maximum of 7.3%.

D

G
H
A
B
C

E
F

J
I


 L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai

On the other hand, IV of VCO from Asian

Pacific Coconut Council was between 4.1%
and 11.0%. The standard deviation of IV

C18:3
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

ND
ND
ND
from this survey was 0.642. Sample G
shown highest IV (7.3%) and lowest IV was

5.22 ± 0.5129 0.98 ± 0.1815

sample I (IV 5.5%), VCO from Sabah.

C18:2
0.80
0.93
0.87
5.81 1.08

0.85
5.55 1.25
0.86
0.78
5.57 1.26

0.78
5.97 1.26
5.40 1.11
Unsaponifiable matter
The unsaponifiable matter of oil serves as a
check for contamination by foreign materials
such as mineral oils and damage to the oil
by oxidation. Highly oxidized oils contain

C18:1
4.84
5.09
5.97

4.67

4.83
4.46

4.46
polymerized fatty acids which are extracted
together with the unsaponifiable matter. The

2.83 ± 0.1541
unsaponifiable components in VCO may
include sterols, hydrocarbons (squalene, beta

2.93
3.10
2.63
2.88
2.79
2.78
2.67
2.98
2.89
2.65

2.63
3.10
carotene), tocopherols and phenols. Coconut

C18
oil has a total of 470 –1140 mg/kg sterols,
0–17 mg/kg tocopherol and 0– 44 mg/kg

8.29 ± 0.4097
tocotrienols (Firestone 2006). The average
unsaponifiable matters for 10 samples
7.85
8.12
9.06
8.75
7.95
7.86
8.43
8.13
8.10
8.61

7.85
9.06
C16

were found to be 0.116 with a range from

Table 2. Gas liquid chromatography range of fatty acid composition of virgin coconut oil

minimum of 0.085% to maximum 0.135%

48.43 ± 0.8167 18.25 ± 0.4611

and a standard deviation of 0.0184 (Table  1).
VCO from sample A has the highest
49.18 17.95
48.42 18.07
47.08 18.77
47.25 19.27
48.73 17.94
49.50 17.72
48.05 18.09
48.85 18.15
49.15 18.47

47.08 17.72
49.50 19.27
48.04 18.11
unsaponifiable matters (0.15%) compared
C14

with other VCO samples (~ 0.11%).

Slip melting point (SMP)

This is an important characteristic of
fatty compounds as it can be used for
C12

identification purposes and assessment of

purity. The melting point or SMP of oil
6.51 ± 0.2407

must be determined under strictly controlled

conditions of sample pre-treatment and
6.67
6.55
6.30
5.96
6.56
6.85
6.49
6.63
6.62
6.46

5.96
6.85
C10

actual determination. The mean for SMP

of VCO found in Malaysian market was
8.62 ± 0.2371

24.8  °C with a range stretching from 24.3

to 25.0 °C and a standard deviation of
0.2461  °C (Table 1).
8.85
8.90
8.45
8.12
8.61
8.83
8.53
8.71
8.72
8.46

8.12
8.90
C 8

Fatty acid composition

0.88 ± 0.0047

VCO is characterized by its high level of

lauric acid (C12), which ranged from 47–50%.
0.93
0.82
0.87
0.88
0.91
0.94
0.93
0.85
0.81
0.85

0.81
0.94

Other fatty acid composition include caproic

C6

acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), caproic acid

(C10), myristic acid (C14), palmitic acid
Mean ± SD
Value range

(C16), stearic acid (C18), oleic acid (C18:1)

Sample

  Max
  Min

and finally linoleic acid (C18:2) (Table 2).

D

G
H
A
B
C

E
F

J
I


Virgin coconut oil

It contains about 93% saturated fatty acids, Council (APCC) standard ranges at ≤0.5%
6% monounsaturated fatty acids and the (Table 4).
rest is polyunsaturated fatty acids. The
present survey show that more than 64% Moisture content
of its saturated fatty acids are medium Water is very slightly soluble in oils and
chain fatty acids (C6–C12), ~ 29% saturated fats, and its presence is confined only
long chain fatty acids (C14– C18) and 6.2% to very small amount. The Karl Fischer
are unsaturated fatty acids which are the titration method offers the best accuracy
oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) for determination of very small amounts
(Table  2). Linolenic acid (C18:3) is not of water (0.1% and below) in oils and fats.
detectable in this survey. In this survey the mean value for moisture
content of VCO is in the region of 0.09%
Free fatty acids (FFA) with ranging from 0.05% to 0.11% and
This is the most important characteristic of standard deviation of 0.0211. The maximum
VCO quality used in sales and contracts. moisture content of APCC standard range is
The FFA is an indication of the care taken 0.5% (Table 4).
during VCO production. The mean FFA
value of VCO obtained from Malaysian Insoluble impurities
market in the present survey was 0.38% The term refers to extraneous substances
with a range of 0.20 to 1.20% and a such as dirt, debris and fibres. They are
standard deviation of 0.3487% (Table 3). defined as those substances which remain
Range of free fatty acid in this survey insoluble and can be filtered off after the
was broader because of FFA content of oil is dissolved in a specific solvent such as
sample G and H were at 0.78% and 1.90% petroleum. The level of impurities in each
respectively. These values are considered too VCO sample was small and fall within a
high and may not be acceptable to buyers narrow range from 0.003% to 0.008%. The
and can be considered as low quality VCO. mean value insoluble impurities were at
The recommended minimum FFA value 0.005% and standard deviation of 0.0014.
suggested by the Asian Pacific Coconut The APPC standard range for moisture is in
the region of 0.1–0.5% (Table 4).

Table 3. Quality characteristic of virgin coconut oil

Sample Free fatty Peroxide Moisture Colour Insoluble Total plate

acid (%) value contents impurities count
(meq/kg) (%) (%) (cfu)
A 0.41 0.7 0.07 0.1R 0.5Y 0.008 0
B 0.1 0.2 0.05 0.1R 0.5Y 0.006 0
C 0.16 0.2 0.11 0.1R 0.3Y 0.005 0
D 0.15 0.2 0.11 0.1R 0.3Y 0.006 0
E 0.19 0.2 0.11 0.1R 0.3Y 0.006 0
F 0.29 5.5 0.09 0.1R 0.3Y 0.006 0
G 0.78 0.8 0.09 0.1R 0.5Y 0.005 0
H 0.90 0.2 0.08 0.1R 0.5 Y 0.003 0
I 0.35 0.5 0.11 0.1R 0.3Y 0.004 0
J 1.2 1.4 0.11 0.1R 0.5Y 0.004 0
Value range
  Min 0.2 0.2 0.05 0.1R 0.3Y 0.003 0
  Max 1.2 5.5 0.11 0.1R 0.5Y 0.008
Mean ± SD 0.38 ± 0.3487 0.99 ± 1.6326 0.09 ± 0.0211 0.1R 0.5Y max 0.005 ± 0.0014 0


 L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai

Peroxide value (PV) found to have PV out of range, 5.5 meq/kg.

Peroxide value gives an indication of the Most probably these samples have been
primary oxidation state of oil. One of the stored for a long time.
first products formed by oxidation of oil is
a hydroperoxide. The most common method Colour
for determining oxidation is by measurement Coconut oil in its virgin form is clear in
of PV. The test is based on the ability to colour with distinct coconut flavour and
liberate iodine from potassium iodide. aroma. It is obtained from the mature
Although the method is highly empirical, kernel of the coconut (Cocos nucifera L)
it is good guide to the quality of the VCO. by mechanical or natural means with or
A  freshly refined oil should have nil PV. without the application of minimal heat.
The peroxide value of most samples were High heat exposure during deodorization
within the range given by APCC standard ≤3 process (230  °C) normally will lead to
meq/kg (Table 4). However, sample F was polymerization and consequently the oil will

Table 4. Identity and quality characteristics of VCO found in Malaysia market compared with APCC
standard range

Malaysia market range APCC standard range

Identity characteristic
Relative density 0.9185 – 0.9192 0.9150 – 0.9200
Refractive index 1.4467 – 1.4472 1.4480 – 1.4492
Moisture (%) 0.0500 – 0.1100 0.1000 – 0.5000
Saponification value (mg/g) 258.80 – 263.70 250.00 – 260.00
Iodine value (%) 5.5000 – 7.1000 4.1000 – 11.000
Unsaponifiable matter (%) 0.0850 – 0.1500 0.2000 – 0.5000
Specific gravity at 30 ºC 0.9152 – 0.9197 0.9150 – 0.9200
Slip melting point (ºC) 24.300 – 25.000 –
Gas liquid chromatography range of fatty
acid composition (%)
Caproic acid C6:0 0.80 – 0.95 0.40 – 0.60
Caprylic acid C8:0 8.00 – 9.00 5.00 – 10.0
Capric acid C10:0 5.00 – 7.00 4.50 – 8.00
Lauric acid C12:0 47.0 – 50.0 43.0 – 53.0
Myristic acid C14:0 17.0 – 18.5 16.0 – 21.0
Palmitic acid C16:0 7.50 – 9.50 7.50 – 10.0
Stearic acid C18:0 2.50 – 3.50 2.00 – 4.00
Oleic acid C18:1 4.50 – 6.00 5.00 – 10.0
Linoleic acid C18:2 0.70 – 1.50 1.00 – 2.50
Linolenic acid C18:3 ND <0.5
Quality characteristic
Insoluble impurities (%) 0.003 – 0.008   0.05
Free fatty acid (%) 0.100 – 1.200 ≤0.5
Peroxide value (meq/kg) 0.200 – 5.500 ≤3
Total plate count (cfu) 0 <10
Contaminants
Matter volatile at 105 ºC (%) 0.08 – 0.150 0.2
Iron (mg/kg) 0.45 – 14.53 5
Copper (mg/kg) ND 0.4
Lead (mg/kg) ND 0.1
Arsenic (mg/kg) ND 0.1


Virgin coconut oil

turn yellow (Plate 1). Colour of VCO in samples had zero or less than 10 colony
this survey was in range of 0.1 Red and 0.5 forming unit (cfu) (Table 3).
Yellow Max.
Trace metals
Total plate count Trace metals in VCO may originate from
This is a very important analysis soil and fertilizers or contaminants from
in determining good quality VCO. the processing equipment and also during
Occasionally, very limited number of storage. Thus trace metals may be picked up
microbes can grow on oils and fats because along the production line. The presence of
of the limited amount of water present. trace metals could also be attributed to the
However, it is necessary for producers to presence of suspended solid impurities in the
have good manufacturer practices (GMP) oil (Yeoh 1976).
as VCO is being directly consumed from Oxidatively stable oils contain minimal
the bottle without any treatments e.g. heat. amounts of trace metals. Cu and Fe are
Result from analysis showed that most known prooxidants as they catalyse the
decomposition of hydroperoxides in oil to
free radicals. Of the two metals, Cu is more
potent being 10 times more active than Fe.
The mean level of Cu content in this survey
was below detectable level (<0.01 mg/kg).
Cu is useful test to determine the possible
cause of high oxidation. Peroxide value (PV)
does not gives a true indication of the state
of oxidative deterioration in an oil because
hydroperoxides are only transient species
and Cu accelerates the hydroperoxide
destruction rate. In the present survey, the
mean iron content was at 4.73 mg/kg with
minimum value from 0.73 to 14.53 mg/kg
(Table 5). Sample G had the highest iron
Plate I . Refined bleached and deodorized (RBD) content at 14.53 mg/kg followed by sample
coconut oil (left) and virgin coconut oil (right) J at 11.73 mg/kg. This probably because
Table 5. Contaminants of virgin coconut oil

Sample Iron Copper Lead Arsenic Volatile matter

(mg/kg) (mg/kg) (mg/kg) (mg/kg) at 105 °C
A 1.5 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.08
B 5.66 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.13
C 5.9 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.15
D 2.21 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.14
E 0.45 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.15
F 0.96 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.11
G 14.53 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.14
H 3.64 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.1
I 0.73 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.13
J 11.73 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.01 N.D<< 0.05 0.13
Value range
  Min 0.73 ND ND ND 0.08
  Max 14.53 0.15
Mean ± SD 4.73 ± 4.8737 ND ND ND 0.13 ± 0.0227


 L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai

VCO samples from G and J were exposed ISO 662 (1998). Animal and vegetable fats and
to oxidation during handling and/or storage. oils – determination of moisture and volatile
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The APCC standard range of iron in VCO
Agricultural food products, animal and
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VCO samples. Although the sample size In: International Standard: Agricultural
was small i.e. only involved 10 samples, food products, animal and vegetable fats
and oils. Geneva, Switzerland: International
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Abstrak
Sejumlah 10 sampel minyak kelapa dara yang terdapat di pasaran Malaysia
telah dikumpulkan dan dikenal pasti ciri-ciri dan kualitinya. Dua daripada
sampel tersebut telah dihasilkan dengan menggunakan teknologi MARDI iaitu
secara proses kering dan basah. Sampel yang selebihnya dihasilkan sama ada
melalui proses fermentasi secara semula jadi atau melalui proses mekanikal.
Analisis dibahagikan kepada dua iaitu mengenal pasti ciri-ciri dan kualiti minyak
kelapa dara. Bagi mengenal pasti ciri-ciri, lapan jenis analisis telah dijalankan
iaitu ketumpatan relatif, indeks refraktif, nilai penyabunan, nilai iodin, bahan
bukan penyabunan, graviti khusus, titik gelincir cair dan komposisi asid lemak.
Sementara itu, enam jenis analisis telah dijalankan untuk mengenal pasti kualiti
minyak kelapa dara. Ciri-ciri kimia fizikal bagi semua sampel menunjukkan
ciri yang hampir sama. Walau bagaimanapun, dari aspek kualiti sebahagian
sampel menunjukkan kualiti yang rendah terutamanya asid lemak bebas dan nilai
peroksida. Peratusan asid lemak bebas yang diperoleh daripada sampel tersebut
melebihi 0.5% dan nilai peroksida melebihi 3 meq/kg. Tiada pertumbuhan koloni
dikesan. Dari aspek pencemaran, kandungan plumbum, kuprum dan arsenik
didapati berada di bawah aras yang dibenarkan kecuali ferum. Terdapat beberapa
sampel yang menunjukkan kandungan ferum yang tinggi (melebihi 5 mg/kg)
yang mungkin menyebabkan kerosakan pada minyak akibat daripada proses
pengoksidaan.

Accepted for publication on 12 August 2008

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