Browsing by Author "M. R. Manikantan"

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    Comparative analysis of biochemical composition of fried coconut chips: influence of thickness and oil type on nutritional attributes
    (2024) R. Pandiselvam; Rupa Krishnan; M. R. Manikantan; Anjitha Jacob; S. V. Ramesh; S h a m e e n a Be e g u m , P.P.
    In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the importance of snack items in diets, particularly among children and adolescents who enjoy them socially with friends. Chips, commonly produced through frying, have garnered significant popularity. This study aimed to assess the quality of fried coconut chips of thickness 0.5 mm and 1.4 mm, made using both sunflower oil and coconut oil. Deep frying was conducted at 160 °C for both types of oil. The findings indicated that coconut oil-fried chips, regardless of thickness, exhibited superior sensory attributes (i.e. appearance, colour, crispiness and flavour). All sensory attributes (except appearance) were rated the highest for coconut oil fried chips. The biochemical properties of chips fried in both oils were largely similar, yet coconut oil-fried chips displayed slightly better characteristics compared to their counterparts. For instance, the 0.5 mm thick coconut oil-fried chips were noted for their improved protein content and fat content, leading to a higher overall acceptability of the 0.5 mm thickness.
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    Comparison of engineering properties of organic and inorganiccoconut: Implications on the design of coir fiber extractionmachine
    (2024) Ravi Pandiselvam; M. R. Manikantan; P. Subramanian; Anandu Chandra Khanashyam; M. Anjaly Shanker; R. Surekha; Alka Gupta
    Coconut husk is widely used as a source of natural fibers in the tropics. Dehusking and fiber extraction are some of the important unit operations in coir manufacturing. For the development of an efficient and economically viable fiber extraction machine, the engineering properties of conventional and organically grown coconuts were evaluated. Selected engineering properties of whole coconut were investigated. The average true density and bulk density were in the range of 414.63 ± 111.85 to 529.28 ± 123.02 and 161.66 ± 24.41 to 212.23 ± 18.96 kg/m3, respectively. Along with whole coconuts, engineering properties of husk (weight, moisture content, and husk thickness), shell (weight, thickness, bulk density, and moisture content), and kernel parameters (weight, thickness, and moisture content) were also evaluated. The application of organic treatment (T4) exhibited substantial impacts, leading to a higher coconut weight (1.354 kg) as compared to conventional practices (T5), and increased dimensions (158.599 mm diameter and 205.000 mm height) and improved bulk density (190.97 kg/m3) in comparison to other organic treatments. In deshelled coconuts, T4 showcased a higher shell weight (175.667 g) and shell thickness (4.767 mm). The kernel parameters of T4 displayed enhancements, featuring a kernel weight of 314.334 g and a thickness of 11.774 mm. Although the study could not find any correlation between the farming practices and engineering characteristics of coconut fruit, the data presented herein could be utilized for the design and improvisation of efficient fiber extraction machines.
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    Development, evaluation, and optimization of portable pyrolysis system for the production of biochar from tender coconut husk
    (2024) R. Pandiselvam; Athira Shaji; S. V. Ramesh; Sudharshana Sathyanath; M. R. Manikantan; A. C. Mathew
    Tender coconut husk (TCH) is a prominent part of coconut fruit, and it is discarded after consumption of tender coconut water. TCH is made of fibers that comprise lignin (30–42%) and cellulose (54–65%) and also contains traces of tannin and potassium. In this study, development of most feasible and adaptable method for production of biochar from TCH is reported. The method opted for the production of biochar is pyrolysis, and temperature of pyrolysis has a direct correlation with the characteristics of resultant biochar. The main parameters investigated are the size of the reactor, type of fuel, and positioning of the drum. Biochemical parameters of biochar such as moisture content, ash content, pH and electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen content of the product were studied. The results reveal that sample collected from the upper layer of the large-sized reactor kept in upright position and using mature coconut husk as a fuel for biochar production was found to be the best considering the yield and physicochemical properties.
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    Impact of Slice Thickness and Baking Temperature on the Physicochemical Quality and Nutritional Properties of Newly Developed Baked Coconut Chips
    (2024) R. Pandiselvam; Rupa Krishnan; M. R. Manikantan; Anjitha Jacob; S. V. Ramesh; S h a m e e n a Be e g u m , P.P.
    Due to rising health concerns, consumers are increasingly inclined toward reduced-fat products, which have driven the need for nutritious alternatives through modifications in recipes and production processes. Despite the growing popularity of coconut-based products, there is limited research on baked coconut chips, particularly regarding the effects of baking temperatures and product thicknesses. This study addresses this gap by developing baked coconut chips samples (BCSs) as a healthier alternative to traditional fried chips. Baking experiments were conducted at temperatures of 140°C, 160°C, and 180°C, with 160°C identified as optimal for balancing processing time and product quality. The study also compared baked coconut chips with those that were dried and then baked (dried baked coconut chips samples [DBCS]). Among the trials, the 0.5-mm-thick coconut chips baked at 160°C exhibited favorable sensory attributes and notable biochemical properties, including 3.13% moisture content, 1.13% ash, 40.49% fat, and significant antioxidant activity.
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    Infrared-aided hot-air drying of coconut: Impact on drying kinetics and quality metrics
    (2024) R. Pandiselvam; Sneha Davison; M. R. Manikantan; G. Jeevarathinam; Anjitha Jacob; S. V. Ramesh; P. P. Shameena Beegum
    This study explored various drying techniques and temperatures to analyze their effects on the drying kinetics and quality of copra. The initial moisture content of coconut kernels was 50%–55% (w.b.), which decreased to 6%–8% (w.b.) as a result of the drying process. This study focuses on evaluating the individual and hybrid effects of infrared drying (IRD) and hot-air drying (HAD) techniques to enhance the quality of copra. Three drying methods were used: IRD, HAD, and infrared-assisted hot-air drying (IRAHAD). Coconut pieces were subjected to different drying temperatures (50, 60, and 70 C) with a constant air speed of 2 m/s. Optimal results were achieved by employing the IRAHAD method at 60 C, preserving a crucial fat content of 68.4% essential for increased extraction of oil from copra and comparatively high drying rates. In particular, the drying rates in IRAHAD were twice as high as those in IRD and HAD. At a drying temperature of 60 C, the logarithmic model and the diffusion approximation model were deemed the best fit for HAD and IRAHAD, respectively.
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    Physicochemical properties of coconut inflorescence sap (neera) under double wall open heating system
    (2024) R. Pandiselvam; Sudharshana Sathyanath; M. R. Manikantan; S. V. Ramesh; S h a m e e n a Be e g u m , P.P.; Hebbar, K.B
    Utilization of plant sap-derived sugars and syrups, such as palm sugar, birch syrup, maple syrup, and agave syrup, provides versatile alternatives to conventional sweeteners like cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, thereby enriching culinary options and catering to diverse consumer preferences. One noteworthy product derived from coconut palm sap is neera, a traditional beverage celebrated for its natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Its nutritional value and cultural significance make it a cherished component of local diets. It is nutritionally important due to its natural sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), rich in vitamins and minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron). The focus of this study is to comprehend the biochemical changes that occur during the conversion of neera into sugar using an open double-jacket cooker. The process entails meticulous monitoring of various parameters, including total soluble solids (TSS), pH levels, total sugar content, reducing sugar content, total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH and FRAP assays), and ascorbic acid concentration. Throughout the 3 h heating process, samples are collected at 30 min intervals to track the changes in biochemical composition. Continuous stirring and precise temperature control ensure uniform heat transfer and accurate results. The findings reveal significant alterations in biochemical composition, with notable increases observed in TPC and antioxidant activity, possibly attributed to the Maillard reaction. The conversion from neera to coconut sugar yields a range of compositions suitable for various culinary applications, presenting opportunities for entrepreneurship and the development of value-added products. This not only enhances market competitiveness but also fosters economic growth in the food sector.