Two sap samples of Nypafruticans were collected in November 1996 and in April
1997 from the Chakaria Sundarbans for the production ofsugar, vinegar and alcohol. The
samples were first analysed to determine tire sugar contents by hand refractometer. The
first sample contained around 10.0% sugar, while the second contained about 8.0%.
Experiments were also conducted to produce vinegar trom the first sample and alcohol
from the second, each with and without addition ofsugar. Various amounts of yeast,such
as 0.2%, 0.6% and 1.0% (w/v) were added to determine the optimum yield of vinegar and
alcohol by fermentation process. It was observed that, in both the cases, addition of 0.6%
(w/v) yeast yielded the highest amount of acetic acid (4.3%) and alcohol (-5.0%) as
azeotropic mixture. There was about 0.2% increase in acetic acid yield with 0.6% (w/v)
yeast and further addition of 2.0% sugar to the original sample. The highest yield of
alcohol, 5.5% (as azeotropicmixture) was obtainedwhen the sap solution contained 13.0%
sugar and 0.6% (w/v) yeast. This shows thatN.fruticanssap may be a prospective source
for production of sugar, vinegar and alcohol in the country