Fact 1
The name coconut is a combination of nut, and the Portuguese word coco, after the face-like image the shell has with the 3 holes
Fact 2
Coconuts, in different forms, are anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic.
Fact 3A coconut tree can have up to 180 coconuts harvested during a single harvest, but it is more common to produce between 30-70 depending upon weather conditions.
Fact 4The trees can be dwarf and tall. Dwarf trees are between 20 to 60 feet in height and tall trees grow to up 98 feet and a new tree takes between 5-6 years to bear fruit.
Fact 5A coconut tree can live up to 100 years old but typically only produces coconuts up till around 80 years of age.
Fact 6During World War 2, coconut water was said to be used to treat dehydration and as a saline solution replacement and given to people intravenously.
Fact 7Just like mangoes, cashews and cherries, the coconut is a drupe and not a nut. The drupe is an item that has a fleshy outer around a pit
Fact 8In many countries coconut trees are called the “tree of life” by the many cultures that have depended upon it through time, it provides sustenance, succour and shelter.
Fact 9The coconut we buy in the store does not resemble the coconut you find growing on a coconut palm. An untouched coconut has three layers. The outermost layer, which is typically smooth with a greenish colour, is called the exocarp. The next layer is the fibrous husk, or mesocarp, which ultimately surrounds the hard woody layer called the endocarp. The endocarp surrounds the seed. Generally speaking, when you buy a coconut at the supermarket the exocarp and the mesocarp are removed and what you see is the endocarp.
Fact 10The white, fleshy part of the seed, the coconut meat, can be eaten raw or cooked.
Fact 1111. The meat may also be grated and mixed with water to make coconut milk, used in cooking and as a substitute for cow’s milk.
Fact 12Dried coconut flesh is called copra, and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking – frying in particular – as well as in soaps and cosmetics.
Fact 13The coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6; and minerals including iron, copper, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc.
Fact 14Coconut palms are normally cultivated in hot and wet tropical climates, with most of the world’s coconuts produced on small village or backyard plantations.
Fact 15The coconut tree could not be grown away from the shore without human beings transporting it.
Fact 16It is thought the coconut fruit can travel up to 100 days on the ocean’s tide and still germinate
Fact 17The trunk of a coconut tree is used in the construction of bridges, houses, and boats as well as our wooden spoons
Fact 18Sap from the unopened coconut flower can be made into “coconut vodka.”
Fact 19Coconut water contains minerals which perfectly mimic that in the human body.
Fact 20Coconut oil has similar health benefits for dogs!
