Herayati, Y. Maryani, F. Salsabil, C.T. Honestsatria
Aren sugar, derived from the sap of the Aren palm tree (Arenga pinnata), is a common sweetener in Indonesia. However, compared to other widely used ingredients like rice, coconut, or spices, the application of Aren in Indonesian cuisine is relatively limited. Diversification of the culinary applications of Aren can bring new possibilities and promote its wider usage in various dishes and products that contribute to food security. In this research, the innovation of local food of Aren-coconut candy with high carbohydrate content (90.3%) and protein content (2.56%) yet low-fat content (1.08%) was developed. The best product, which contained an optimum water (2.59%) and ash content (3.67%), was produced at the optimum condition with 110 mL volume of coconut milk and 100°C as cooking temperature. This product can be beneficial for individuals aiming to reduce their calorie intake, manage weight, or maintain a heart-healthy diet. The high carbohydrate and protein content of this product suggests that the Aren-coconut candy provides a substantial amount of energy when consumed with other nutrient-rich foods. © 2025 The Authors.
Department of Cosmetic Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Jl. Terusan Ryacudu, Way Huwi, Kec. Jati Agung, Lampung, Kabupaten Lampung Selatan, 35365, Indonesia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Km 3, Banten, Purwakarta, Cilegon, 42435, Indonesia