By Catherine Qiu
Pink coconut water may seem fictional at first, perhaps colored with artificial dyes and coloring. However, it’s completely natural for young coconuts to develop a pink hue when harvested at around 7-8 months old (“Healthy Human”). Around this time, the coconut reaches its peak in sugar and water content (Masa et al.).
Coconut water is a drink with a plethora of nutrients including “a healthy dose of Potassium and small amounts of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Vitamin C and Folate” (“Healthy Human”). Coconut water also contains phenols and polyphenol oxidases (PPO). Phenol compounds are also known as antioxidants called catechin and epicatechin. When PPO enzymes cleave phenols, coconut water may turn a pink hue. (Masa et al.).
Once a coconut is cracked open, oxygen gas molecules rush in to bind to the PPO enzyme’s copper ions (“Healthy Human Life”). Then, PPO enzymes may break down phenols, such as monophenol or O-diphenols, to release pink, red, brown, or yellow pigments. The reaction rate appears to be fastest with a 3.96 *10^-4 mM copper ion concentration (Masa et al.).
At the grocery store, many coconut waters may appear clear instead of pink. The following are several reasons that may explain why:
One method may be that the water is processed with chemical additives to remove phenols (Sevier).
Secondly, the coconut water may be very fresh and hasn’t been exposed to much oxygen (Sevier).
PPO enzyme concentrations also vary among different varieties and ages of coconuts (Raquel). A lower concentration could slow or halt the pinking process. The fact that the water’s pH becomes more basic over time could also play a role in decreasing pinking.
There’s also the possibility of adding food-grade resin, which is commonly used for phenol-rich white wine. According to the results of an experiment conducted by Masa et al., the resin calcium bentonite caused the least absorbance and phenol, when compared with other resins and the control.
Mixing 7 month and 9 month old coconut water can stop the pinking altogether. While the cause is yet to be known, there’s an increased presence of o-benzoquinone, which inactivates PPO’s active site (Masa et al.).
Pink coconut water is not necessarily spoiled or artificially altered, as “pinking” is a natural process. Even so, there are several innovative methods to maintain clear water without sacrificing nutrients.
Works Cited
Healthy Human. “The Best Coconut Water for Hydration: It Can Turn Pink!” Healthy Human, healthyhumanlife.com/blogs/news/pink-coconut-water#:~:text=Why is coconut water pink,enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO).
Masa, D. B. “Control of Pink Discoloration in Coconut Water.” Cord, vol. 23, no. 2, 2007, p. 16., doi:10.37833/cord.v23i2.168.
Raquel, Juan & “Why Coconut Water Is Pink? Is It Safe & How To Prevent It Happening.” Fruitinformation.com, Fruitinformation.com, 14 Sept. 2020, fruitinformation.com/coconut/why-coconut-water-is-pink/.
Sevier, Joe. “What's the Deal With Pink Coconut Water?” Epicurious, Epicurious, 13 Sept. 2016, www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/pink-coconut-water-health-benefits-article.
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