Two samples A and B of the oil of coconut (Cocos nucifera) were stored for 3 months under ambient conditions (24-28 oC). The changes in the levels of free fatty acid and peroxide values were monitored at monthly intervals in the 3-month period. During this period, the free fatty acid (calculated as lauric acid) rose from 0.2 to 0.6 per cent for oil sample A, and from 0.2 to 0.8 per cent for oil sample B. The peroxide values were less than 10 for either oil sample after 3 months. This indicated a shelf life of more than 3 months for both oil samples.



Ghana Jnl agric. Sci. Vol.31(1) 1998: 127-129