The product. Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is an ancient tropical beverage whose original properties have drawn the attention of manufacturers as a natural functional drink. Preservation. This refreshing liquid comes mainly from immature coconuts which are difficult to collect, store and thus to commercialise. Nevertheless, some studies, mostly from Asian countries, tend to prove that the shelf life of immature coconut fruits could be prolonged thanks to post-harvest treatments. Processing. Coconut water itself, extracted from the nut, is obviously easier to handle but is also very sensitive to biological and chemical injuries. Thermal treatment combined with chemical additives are already used by the industry but other technologies such as micro- and ultrafiltration are not yet available on an industrial scale. Whatever the process, taste, aroma and colour (linked to enzymatic activities) are still difficult to control. Discussion. Results of former and recent investigations are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for further research to increase our knowledge of this original tropical juice.

The product. Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is an ancient tropical beverage whose popularity on the international market hasbeen continuously increasing in recent years. Uses. Besides itsvarious traditional uses, this refreshing liqu id extracted from thecoconut fruit has recently been described as a “sport beverage” andhas drawn the attention of manufacturers as a natural functionaldrink. Composition. Coconut water has a low mattercontent (2% to 5% wet basis), mainly comprising sugars and minerals.Quality criteria, such as the water per nut ratio, Total SolubleSolids (TSS), total sugar per nut, and [reducing sugars / totalsugars] ratio, are good indicators for estimating the suitability ofcoconut cultivars for the production of coconut water. Regarding thesecriteria, dwarf varieties are the most suitable cultivars to obtain atasty product. Properties. The quality of coconut watercan not only be attributed to sugars and minerals because it also hasa typical flavour and some original properties. Although many authorshave cited medicinal uses or growth-promoting activities, only a fewpublications have clearly identified the components responsible forthese properties. Discussion. Results of former andrecent investigations are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made forfurther research to increase our knowledge of this original tropicaljuice.