Coconut haustorium: A functional food

Abstract

During the process of germination, coconut embryo is enlarged and differentiates into cotyledon and the stem apex, where the seedling leaf develops where cotyledon surface develops in to a spongy absorbent tissue called coconut 'haustorium'. The haustorium secretes various hydrolytic enzymes which mobilizes the reserved nutrients from the endosperm to fuel the growth of the seedling. Thus the haustorium formed is believed to be rich in nutrients however; it is not being properly utilized for human consumption purposes. The complete nutrient profile of the haustorium, and biochemical changes and nutritional compositions are discussed in the chapter. Â