Coconut

The tropical coconut tree generally grows 25 m high in the tropical regions of the world, for example on the Philippines, in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, in Africa and at the coasts of South America. Initially, the coconut tree is probably from South-east Asia from where it spread across the water, for coconuts can cover long distances floating. In many tropical countries, the coconut tree is called “Tree of Heaven” because it has been one of the most important sources for food and resources. The wood serves for building huts, the leaves as roof, the fibres to weave baskets and mats and the coconuts themselves as food.

This makes coconuts, which strictly speaking are stone fruits and not nuts, the most complete foodstuff one can find. Due to their high content of all important nutrients, greased, protein and water, it should be possible to live on coconuts alone for quite a while. Of particular interest are magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc, and the vitamins B and E. The white pulp (1-2 cm) encloses a hollow space in which we find the tasty coconut water, it is in term enclosed by a very hard shell and a red-brown skin. Around that is a thick, dry, fibrous layer limited to the outside by a thin, green-yellow leather.like shell.

The pulp of the coconut can be processed into coconut oil, coconut butter and margarine, or eaten fresh or dried. Coconuts shavings are mainly used for cooking and baking as well as sweets and dessert, while coconuts chips and coconut cubes are perfect as a snack between meals.