The History of Coconuts

The modern coconut as we know it was known to have existed 37 to 57 million years ago during the Eocene Period in India and Australia. The origin of the coconut plant is the subject of debate since some scientific research suggests the Pacific Ocean or Indian Ocean. While others see the origin in north western South America since the ‘Nipa’ fruit which is one example of an older palm fossil that has been found.

Coconut palms are the most familiar palm from the tropic which used to be a wild plant and has been spread by human activity and currents in the ocean. In the present day it has become a part of everyday life in many places for its resources like food, shelter and fuel.

Coconuts were even used as currency for the purchase of goods right up till the beginning of the 20th century, on the Nicobar Island (Indian Ocean). Coconut palms were mentioned in written scripts 2,000 years ago in India.

Coconut, the most sustainable crop in the world!

Coconuts are one of the most sustainable crops in the world; every part of the coconut can be used in one way or another:

Coconut water (The clear liquid found inside green coconuts) this is enjoyed on beaches as a refreshing drink. Also known as a natural sports drink, many athletes are drinking after exercise for its rehydration properties. Coconut water is also used in cooking, deserts, smoothies and mixed with or without alcohol for a refreshing cocktail. Coconut water when fermented is used to make coconut vinegar and alcohol.

Coconut husk is used to make coir a kind of eco friendly rope used extensively in the tropics.

The outer shell of the coconut is used as a source of fuel or charcoal. Coconut shells are also polished and sold as souvenirs or accessories like purses, jewellery, candle holders, etc.

Coconut meat (The white flesh that is found inside mature brown coconuts) is edible raw or used in cooking for vegetarian and non vegetarian curries. Young coconut meat known as coconut jelly is eaten raw or mixed with coconut water to make smoothies.

Coconut milk The white cloudy liquid extracted from the coconut meat from a mature coconut) is often used in cooking, most commonly in curries. If you leave coconut milk to settle the liquid would set to the bottom and you would find a thick creamy layer on top, this is known as coconut cream. This is used in cocktails e.g. Pina Colada.

Coconut oil (The pale yellow to almost clear liquid extracted from the coconut meat or coconut milk) is most commonly used for cooking at high temperatures in frying. It is also used in other types of cooking and mostly in skin and hair products. For its moisturizing qualities for example in shampoo, conditioner, creams etc.

Coconuts are used in tradition and religion as well as every day uses, for example:

In the San Pablo on the second week of January the Coconut Festival is held for a week. This is in honour of their patron saint Paul the Hermit, the festival consists of street dancing, concerts etc.

In the Hindu tradition the coconut is offered during worship to gods or goddess once is has been decorated. During Hindu weddings a coconut is also placed on a pot representing a womb and coconut flowers are present during the marriage ceremony.

During the Thai festival called Songkran (Held on over New Years Day in April which goes on for 3 days). Coconut milk and Tart Lemon grass is used to make Thai Coconut Lemongrass ritual to honour Thailand’s joyful festival of renewal.

Coconuts are also used as a prize and target in a British traditional fairground game known as “coconut shy” this is where you knock the coconut off of the stand to win the coconut its self.

How do you make coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a vegetable oil that is extracted from the coconut meat (White flesh) of a mature coconut (Brown Coconut). This is the pale yellow almost colourless oil, which can be used in cooking and cosmetic products.

Like coconut milk, coconut oil has a high amount of saturated fats. The saturated fats found in coconut oil are all medium chain fatty acids for example Lauric acid (Found in mothers milk), Caprylic Acid (Found in the milk of various mammals), etc.

In the market you can find two different types of coconut oil, virgin coconut oil and coconut oil made from copra. Within virgin coconut oil you can have cold pressed oil from grated coconut or centrifuged oil from milk.

How to extract coconut oil?

Coconut oil can be extracted two different ways, through a wet or dry process. Both need time, effort and skill just like the coconut milk process.

The dry process is when the coconut meat is removed from the outer husk and dried, also known as copra. It’s then pressed using an expeller. The protein and fibre are lost during this process as there is no way that you can extract the protein from the left over meat (Known as mash). Coconut oil made from copra has to be refined, bleached and deodorised to make it fit for consumption.

At home virgin coconut oil has been made for centuries but boiling coconut milk or fermenting coconut milk. In a factory virgin coconut oil is made by cold pressing grated coconut or centrifuging coconut milk.

Coconut oil can be used in many different ways in cooking and skin and hair products. When it comes to cooking at a high temperature coconut oil is suitable for frying and in curries. Many skin and hair products contain coconut oil because of its moisturising properties and vitamin E content. Coconut oil is known to help dry skin conditions and moisturize dry hair as it produces protein that is required for nourishing damaged hair.

To discover 101 uses of coconut oil click https://www.cocofina.com/pages/101-uses-for-coconut-oil