Coconuts

Coconuts (Cocos nucifera)

The Coconut (/ˈkoʊkəˌnʌt/ KOH-kə-nut) is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only known species of the genus Cocos. The term "coconut" can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which botanically is a drupe, not a nut.

Etymology

The name coconut is derived from the 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish word coco, meaning 'head' or 'skull', from the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features.

Description

Coconut palms are large palm trees that can reach up to 30 meters in height. The leaves are pinnate and can reach 4 to 6 meters in length. The fruit, or the coconut itself, is a large oval drupe that is covered with a husk. Inside the husk is the coconut shell which contains the coconut water and meat.

Uses

Coconuts have a variety of uses. The water inside the coconut is a popular beverage and the meat is often used in cooking. The oil extracted from the meat is used in cooking as well as in cosmetics. The shell and husk are used in various crafts and to produce items such as floor mats and brushes.

Health Benefits

Coconuts are known for their high nutritional value. They are rich in fiber, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. They are also a good source of lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that can help to improve cholesterol levels and heart health.

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