Doctor shows how to preserve coconut water in hot weather, notes when using

Fresh coconut is one of the most popular drinks, especially on hot days, thanks to its hydrating, electrolyte-supplementing and cooling properties. However, once the coconut is peeled or cut, the thick fibrous outer layer that protects it is removed, allowing microorganisms to easily penetrate and grow if not stored properly.

May have “no unusual odor or taste”

According to Dr. Nguyen Phoi Hien, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, at room temperature, coconut water is an ideal environment for some types of toxin-producing bacteria to grow, especially Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Coconut is a popular cooling drink, but be careful when drinking it.

Photo: Nhu Quyen

Botulinum poisoning is classified as a severe form of poisoning in medicine. In addition to common symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, patients may experience neurological signs such as difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, muscle weakness, respiratory failure...

“Worryingly, in some cases, coconut water contaminated with bacteria may not have an unusual smell or taste, making it difficult for users to detect with the naked eye,” said Dr. Phoi Hien.

In addition to bacteria, coconut water that has not been properly preserved for a long time can also become contaminated with mold, producing toxins such as aflatoxin - a substance that damages the liver, affects the nervous system and has the potential to cause cancer if stored for a long time.

Identify unsafe coconut water, how to preserve it properly

Accordingly, to avoid the risk of poisoning, doctors point out some signs that coconut water or coconut has gone bad:

• Coconut water turns yellow, cloudy or has unusual scum.
• Has a strange smell like sour, rancid, fermented or musty.
• Sour, bitter, acrid taste instead of the characteristic sweet taste.
• Coconut rice appears soft, slimy or dark in color.
• Black spots or mold appear on the coconut shell (especially peeled coconuts).

However, according to Dr. Phoi Hien, the most important thing is that users need to pay special attention to the origin and storage conditions of the product before using it.

Peeled coconut should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-5 degrees Celsius.

Photo: AI

Depending on the processing condition, coconuts need to be preserved in different ways:

For coconuts in shell: Store in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Can be used within 7-15 days depending on environmental conditions.

For peeled or capped coconuts : Must be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-5 degrees Celsius. Should be used within 24-48 hours after peeling. If the coconut water has been poured out of the fruit, it should be stored in a clean bottle with a tight lid and should be consumed within the day. Coconut water should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours because the risk of bacterial contamination is very high.

Notes when using coconut water

Doctor Nguyen Phoi Hien said that consumers need to be careful with pre-shredded coconut water, especially when buying the type that is displayed outdoors for many hours without refrigeration.

Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems need to be even more careful. Be careful when tasting, do not swallow if you notice any strange taste and rinse your mouth after coming into contact with food or drink suspected of being spoiled.

In addition, some people should limit the use of coconut water, including: People with low blood pressure, people with colds, diarrhea or acute digestive disorders.

Drinking too much coconut water at one time can also cause bloating and mild electrolyte disturbances in some cases.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-chi-cach-nhan-biet-nuoc-dua-khong-an-toan-luu-y-khi-dung-185250409221343502.htm