Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant compounds of four coconut water varieties from Nautla, Veracruz

Coconut water is a popular, natural, and hydrating beverage highly valued in tropical regions; however, there is currently a lack of technical data regarding coconut varieties cultivated in Veracruz, Mexico. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the physicochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity of four coconut varieties from Nautla, Veracruz: Enana Amarilla (EAM), Alta Pacífico Verde (APV), Rojo Campechano (RCA) and Colimeña (COL) and the following variables were analyzed. The parameters evaluated included titratable acidity, total sugars, minerals, antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. The results indicated lower acidity levels in EAM and RCA, and lower sugar content in EAM, APV, and RCA. Regarding mineral content, the highest concentrations of Ca were observed in EAM, APV, and COL; Mg in APV and COL; and Na in APV. As for antioxidant activity, RCA, EAM, and APV yielded the highest concentrations via the DPPH assay, whereas RCA and EAM showed the highest activity using the FRAP method. In terms of total polyphenols, RCA exhibited the highest concentration. The highest total flavonoid content was found in RCA, EAM, and APV, while EAM presented the highest ascorbic acid levels. These findings provide a basis for proposing specific alternatives for each variety, adding value to coconut water as a functional hydration beverage with low caloric content and a significant bioactive compound profile.