Coconuts
- The coconut comes from the coconut palm tree which grows throughout the tropics and subtropics.
- The sailors aboard Vasco de Gama’s ships gave the coconut its name. They called it “Coco”, named after a grimacing face or hobgoblin. When the “coco” came to England, the suffix of nut was added and that’s how the name came about.
- Technically the coconut fruit is a drupe not a nut. Typical drupes include peaches, plums, and cherries.
- In the early stages of a coconuts growth it contains high levels of water which can be consumed directly as a refreshing drink. The water is also gaining popularity as a sports drink as it contains good levels of sugars, dietary fiber, proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Coconut water can be a substitute for blood plasma.
- Coconut milk is not the same as coconut water. Coconut milk has a high fat content of around 17%, but is low in sugars. It is frequently added to curries and other savoury dishes. Coconut cream can also be created from the milk.
- The white, fleshy part of the coconut seed is called coconut meat. It has high amounts of Manganese, Potassium, and Copper.
- Coconut oils contain median chain triglycerides which are easy to digest. The oil is source of energy and has an accelerating effect on the metabolism.
- Coconut oils also contain four growth hormones, that help the development of many organisms.
- The Maldives have a coconut palm on the country's national coat of arms. It is the national tree and considered the most important plant on their islands.