Coconut Nutrition

The Coconut Tree

The coconut comes from the coconut tree which grows in the tropics and sub-tropics. There are various species of this tree. Some can grow up to a height of several meters while others are short and its fruits can even be plucked without climbing the tree.

The outermost layer of this fruit is a thick coat of husk. Then comes the shell which gets harder as it gets older. Adhering to the inner wall of the shell is a layer of gel which thickens and hardens as it matures. Within the shell is coconut water which is a most refreshing drink. More about coconut water.

Young Coconuts

How do we enjoy young coconuts?
What is coconut nutrition? What do we get from this humble fruit?
We can enjoy coconut water in its shell. Just cut off the top and make an incision. Use a straw and savor this drink - a refreshing thirst quencher!

How do you open coconuts? Just use a heavy cleaver to cut it open. Scoop up the flesh with a spoon. The flesh is a layer of gel in very young coconuts. It gets firmer as it ages. The coconut water also gets sweeter as the fruit matures. My preference is to have it just before it turns firm. At this stage the coconut water is sweet enough. That is the best way to enjoy a young coconut. The flesh is still in gel form and the water is sweet! Find out more about coconut water.

If the flesh is firm, use a spoon to pry it from the shell. Then slice it thinly and add it to your salad. You'll get a nice crunch. It's nutritious but it does contain a fair amount of fats.

Matured Coconuts

When young the color of the coconut ranges from yellow to green and its husk is quite easy to cut off. When the coconut is matured, the color changes to brown and it becomes dry. The husk becomes tough and opening it takes quite a bit of effort.

The flesh of matured coconuts is thick and hard. This is usually grated and coconut milk is extracted from it. Find out more about coconut milk and how you can use it.

Coconut oil is derived from copra, matured coconut flesh which has been dried under the sun. Coconut oil has been and is still used in many ways despite the controversy that surrounds it. Find out more about coconut oil and its various benefits and uses.

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