How to make Coco Sugar and Coco Honey

Coco means it is from coconut. Although further study is needed to verify, and validate the medicinal properties of coco sugar and coco honey, there are some interesting information I got in an email and from sources such as DOST/FNRI. Some interesting information about coco sugar and coco honey are as follows:

Coco sugar and coco honey have low glycemic index, a measurement on blood sugar, thus good for diabetics and those having prostate problems. It has also glutamic acid, the same ingredient present in "Viagra." Tests done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines has revealed a low glycemic index (GI) of 35 for coco sugar compared to that of cane sugar's glycemic index of 50. Glycemic index according to a scientist from Food and Nutrition Research Institute, is the glucose response of an individual from food relative to a standard glucose solution. Low glucose index food is good for proper control of diabetes mellitus and it has shown to lower LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol. It has been noted that it is also good for weight maintenance, thus preventing obesity or being overweight.

So how do we make coco sugar and coco honey? 

Tapping & harvesting of toddy Tapping is done twice a day. Harvesting of toddy can be done in morning ( taken before 8 am ) for the production of ‘tuba’ or vinegar while for the production of fresh sap drink, nectar and sugar, it is best to used the afternoon harvest ( taken not later than 3 pm ) which is sweeter than the morning harvest. To produce sweet toddy, it is necessary that all tools and containers to be used should be clean at all times. Adding of lime to the receptacle prevents the sap from fermentation. 

Toddy processing The conversion of toddy into sap drink, coco nectar and sugar involves a simple operation. As the coconut sap is highly perishable due to the yeast microflora, the harvested sap should be immediately processed by boiling for 1/2 hour in a large cast iron pan. This process prevents the sap from fermentation. 

Coco Honey Further boiling of toddy until it reaches 110 C temperature or sticky under a moderate to very low heat. The sticky liquid shall be allowed to cool then poured into a desired container. 

Coco Sugar Boil coco sap to evaporate the water under moderate heat with occasional stirring until liquid thickens at 115 C. Remove it from the flame when it begins to become very sticky. Continue mixing until it becomes granular. Air dry the brown sugar before placing them in a packaging material. 

Photo courtesy of www.ecplaza.net, and www.healthbolt.net. Source: www.pca.da.gov.ph for additional references, check the following publications: Sequential Coconut Toddy and Nut Production (SCTNP) Technology, TechoGuide Sheet No. 1, PCA, Agric. R&D Branch, Davao Research Center; Naka,Peyanoot.1996. Potential of producing sugar from Coconut. In Promoting Multi- Purpose uses & Competitiveness of the coconut. Proceedings 26-29 Sept 1996 IPGRI; Ticson, S.G., Sancha, L.V., Magat S.S. Sugar from Coconut Sap in Relation to Nut Production:A Review. Diliman, Quezon City: ARDB, 1997. 53p. (R&D Tech.l Report No.4)

Tips on Food Cart Business

I can’t help but be amazed on how much sales a food cart business gets in a day. For example, on the entrance of Ever Gotesco in the Marcos Highway customers on a Siomai Food Cart were falling in line to buy, almost. IMO, earnings could probably compete with established food chains on a lower scale. Indeed, more than P1 billion in sales is turned over every year from the food cart businesses. So, if you want to have a share on this business, read on. 

  The advantages that I can think of when going into a food cart business are: 

 1. Small capital. If you don’t have much capital and you want to go into food business, then a food cart maybe ideal for you. The capital involves ranges from P15, 000 (probably without a franchise) to a maximum of P300, 000 including franchise. Although there are franchises as low as P10, 000 per package that includes, the cart, product, uniform for the crew and training. 

 2. A food cart can be run by 3 persons at most. So, probably you can run it in house which means you, your sister or brother, husband or wife or neighbor or friend – which you can do away with the usual SSS, Insurance etc. 

 3. A food cart business is easy to set up. You can set up a food cart business on market–pizza, waffle, fishball, siomai, pearl shakes, baked goodies, rice in a box, hotdog, burgers, shakes etc. 

  Tips: 

a. Get a nice cart – color, design, etc. Study and observe other food carts you see on the market, or in malls. Think how you can improve the product and service. 

b. Location, location, location. Great sales equal great location on this type of business. 

c. Great product. If you want to be on a safe side, go for familiar ones like siomai, noodles, hot dogs – improved on taste, packaging, service etc. 

d. Think about your price. You can have a great product at a reasonable price – then you are good to go. e. Remember that this business could be labor intensive, so prepare on it. 

 Good Luck.