Abstract

The nutritional compositions of fresh Jak (Nypa fruticans) sap grown in mangrove environments with varying soil salinities were examined between sap from non saline (ECe < 2 dS/m), moderately saline (ECe = 4–8 dS/m), and saline soil (ECe = 8–16 dS/m). In saline sites, sap significantly (p < 0.05) increased in total soluble solids and sugar concentration. The total amino acid in the saline site was higher than in the other sites. The fresh Jak sap was rich in functional nutrients such as sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, starchyose, galactose, arabinose, maltose), organic acids (niacin, succinic, tartaric, malic, citric, lactic, acetic acids), minerals (P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, B), essential amino acids (arginine, lysine, valine, histidine, threonine), seven non-essential amino acids (i.e. glutamic acid) and vitamins (B1, B3, B6, B12, E). Furthermore, potassium was significantly increased in salinity soil, and the decrease in potassium was associated with the increase in sodium. Fresh Jak sap from all salinity soils was shown to be an excellent source of several nutritional elements in this investigation. However, it appeared that Jak sap from the non saline site would be the best choice for use in the development of healthy food products.