PROSPECTS OF COCONUT BIODIVERSITY FOR SAFE, HEALTHY, AND SUSTAINABLE EDIBLE OIL DISCOVERY

Abstract

Coconut trees as valuable biodiversity resources have a role and become a source of food for humans since time eternity. Coconuts are also an integral part of the lives of the people of Malaysia. The processing technology of virgin coconut oil, which is known to produce products with various health benefits, however, in fact, it has not yet provided any income to the farmers. Coconut oil or Copra oil is edible oil extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts of the coconut palm. For thousands of years, tropical countries have used coconut from the tree Cocos nucifera, Family Aracaceae as an integral part of their diet and livelihood. The coconut is one of the commodities that have high economic value if could be managed properly. In Malaysia, coconut is the fourth important industrial crop after oil palm, rubber, and paddy in terms of total planted area.