Coconut Crop Guides
Postharvest Handling of Coconut
The following is excerpted from "Product Specifications and Postharvest Handling for Fruits,
Vegetables and Root Crops Exported from the Caribbean", by Dr. A. Medlicott (Fintrac).
Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.
Coconut Cocos nucifera
 Dry
Coconuts Before Dehusking
Chief Producers
Dominick, Guyana
Season
Year-round but with variation in demand.
Quality Criteria
Dry coconuts should be brown, free from damage, cracking, sunken eyes and attain the required
size specifications.
Variety
Not specified
Post-Harvest Handling System
Successful storage can be achieved for two to three months with the correct grading and handling
procedures.
Harvesting
Dry coconut husks should be taken from the tree and dehusked, removing the flare.
Export Grading and Packing
All grading and packing should be carried out in the field as opposed to transporting the nuts to a
centralized packing facility. Size grading is required with outgrowing being made for incorrect
sizes, damaged and diseased nuts.
Dry coconuts are loose packed into woven plastic sacks in counts of 20 per sack. Full telescopic
two-piece flbreboard cartons may be used when financial returns warrant the additional cost.
Storage and Transportation
Dry coconuts can be shipped successfully by sea in reefer or dry containers for up to three weeks.
Storage temperatures of 12 C will assist in quality maintenance. Where possible palletised
systems should be used to reduce the potential for cracking of nuts.
Potential Post-Harvest Losses
Losses in coconut are mainly as a result of cracking due to poor or inappropriate handling.
Spoilage can occur due to softening and disease infection of the eyes. This can be avoided by
careful grading, preventing damage to the eyes and maintaining the coconuts under suitable
storage conditions.
Coconut Specifications
Market
UK, Holland, Europe
Varieties
Not specified
Characteristics
Brown, clean and round
Size:
- Minimum weight: 750 g
- Maximum weight: 850 g
Condition
- Brown, uniform, fresh, no excessive hairs;
- Free from splitting and cracking;
- No sunken eyes or fungal infection.
Market Requirements
UK and Holland: Uniformly round, within the stated size specifications, preferably packed in
cartons.
Handling in Importing Countries
Maximum marketing period can be achieved by storage at 12 C and careful handling to prevent
cracking. Coconuts can be stored with other products without any detrimental effects.
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