Sequential toddy & nut production (SCTNP) technology which produces toddy and nuts from the same spathe of the palms has provided the farmers to increase farm income without sacrificing the copra products and fully maximize the economic potential of the palms with the addition of another product which is the coconut sap or toddy. It has high total sugar, ascorbic acid, phosphorus, and rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It can be an alternative source of sugar and other products like sap drink (fresh cooled beverage), coco nectar (syrup) and sap vinegar which are high value food products.
Tapping & harvesting of toddy
Tapping is done twice a day. Harvesting of toddy can be done in morning ( taken before 8 am ) for the production of ‘tuba’ or vinegar while for the production of fresh sap drink, nectar and sugar, it is best to used the afternoon harvest ( taken not later than 3 pm ) which is sweeter than the morning harvest. To produce sweet toddy, it is necessary that all tools and containers to be used should be clean at all times. Adding of lime to the receptacle prevents the sap from fermentation.
Toddy processing
The conversion of toddy into sap drink, coco nectar and sugar involves a simple operation. As the coconut sap is highly perishable due to the yeast microflora, the harvested sap should be immediately processed by boiling for 1/2 hour in a large cast iron pan. This process prevents the sap from fermentation.
Sap Drink
This can be simply done immediately by pasteurizing (heating at 600C) the toddy. The toddy is then poured separately in the desired container tightly sealed and placed in the refrigerator. If hygienically prepared, the sap drink can be stored until 3 days without deterioration.
Coco Nectar/Syrup
Further boiling of toddy until it reaches 110oC temperature or sticky under a moderate to very low heat. The sticky liquid shall be allowed to cool then poured into a desired container.
Coco Sugar
Boil coco sap to evaporate the water under moderate heat with occasional stirring until liquid thickens at 1150C. Remove it from the flame when it begins to become very sticky. Continue mixing until it becomes granular. Air dry the brown sugar before placing them in a packaging material.
Sap Natural/Organic Vinegar
Pour toddy in a wide large container with a clean netted cover to allow aeration and prevent entrance of dirt and foreign objects. After 5-10 days fermentation period in a well ventilated room., the sap can be harvested as vinegar. To maintain the desired quality of the matured vinegar (with at least 4% acidity), pasteurize it by boiling for 5-10 minutes at 60-65 0C, allow the vinegar to cool before placing in very clean bottles and then cover tightly and sealed.
FOR ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: Sequential Coconut Toddy and Nut Production (SCTNP) Technology, TechoGuide Sheet No. 1, PCA, Agric. R&D Branch, Davao Research Center Naka,Peyanoot.1996. Potential of producing sugar from Coconut. In Promoting Multi-Purpose uses & Competitiveness of the coconut. Proceedings 26-29 Sept 1996 IPGRI Ticson, S.G., Sancha, L.V., Magat S.S. Sugar from Coconut Sap in Relation to Nut Production:A Review. Diliman, Quezon City: ARDB, 1997. 53p. (R&D Tech.l Report No.4)
CALL, WRITE OR VISIT:
1) CANFARMS Project Zamboanga Research Center, Philippine Coconut Authority, San Ramon, Zamboanga City Tele Fax No. (062) 991- 5087, e-mail: wesmarrdec@wmsu.edu.ph
2) Agronomy & Soils Division Davao Research Center, Philippine Coconut Authority, Bago Oshiro, Davao City Tel. No. (082) 293-0161, e-mail: pca-drc@interasia.com.ph; milsecretaria@yahoo.com
3) Agricultural Research Management Department Research, Development and Extension Branch, Philippine Coconut Authority, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. No. (02) 426-1398 / 920-0415, e-mail: sevmagat@mozcom.com
Hi,
I am thinking of producing coconut sugar from my coconut farm. In this article you suggest to sell the sugar at P30 per kilo?
On the government website pca.gov it says farm gate price for a kilo of coconut sugar is P269.97 . http://pca.gov.ph/pdf/cpw/ave/july.pdf .
Please let me know which one is correct? I am planning on making my own brand and try to export. Many thanks for the article.