[184], In March 1521, a description of the coconut was given by Antonio Pigafetta writing in Italian and using the words "cocho"/"cochi", as recorded in his journal after the first European crossing of the Pacific Ocean during the Magellan circumnavigation and meeting the inhabitants of what would become known as Guam and the Philippines. (2009), assigned it to Cocos based on the size and the ridged shape of the fruit. Since then, numerous other fossils of similar fruits were recovered throughout New Zealand from the Eocene, Oligocene, and possibly the Holocene. Rigby (1995) assigned them to modern Cocos nucifera based on its size. Male flower Bracteate, ebracteolate, sessile, staminate, incomplete, trimerous, actinomorphic and pistillodes are present. In comparison, mature coconuts with the husk intact can be stored for three to five months at normal room temperature . : B.arenosella, B.atriloqua (feeds exclusively on C.nucifera), B.mathesoni (feeds exclusively on C.nucifera), and B. The socio-economic importance of coconut sector in Jamaica Although agriculture's contribution to Jamaica's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has steadily declined over the past two decades (and in 2009 stood at 5.2%), this sector absorbs 20% of the country's employed labour force. One recently selected cultivar, the 'Maypan', has been bred for resistance to this disease. AGRI INFO - My Agriculture Information Bank, Importance, Composition and Uses of Coconut. It can be eaten as food or used as medicine. In large amounts, coconut water might cause potassium levels in the blood to become too high. Updates? Moisturize properly after washing your face. It is most strikingly displayed in Madagascar, an island settled by Austronesian sailors at around 2000 to 1500 BP. Besides the edible kernels and the drink obtained from green nuts, the harvested coconut also yields copra, the dried extracted kernel, or meat, from which coconut oil, a major vegetable oil, is expressed. The coconut is also a popular ingredient in many types of cuisine, including Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Caribbean dishes. [12], Botanically, the coconut fruit is a drupe, not a true nut. Beneficial Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil on Lipid Parameters and in Vitro LDL Oxidation. On many islands, coconut is a staple in the diet. The edible white, fleshy part of the seed (the endosperm) is known as the "coconut meat", "coconut flesh", or "coconut kernel. (2006). It is dried out disintegrated coconut meat. Coconut Research Center. In fact, the toning property of coconut helps in preventing acne by minimizing the pores of the skin, leaving it glowing. Choti Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, is an important Hindu festival celebrated throughout India, one day before the main Holi festival. The meat of green coconuts is still developing, so they contain mostly water (2). and early germination on the palm (vivipary) was important. In India, the woven coconut leaves are used to build wedding marquees, especially in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Hindus often initiate the beginning of any new activity by breaking a coconut to ensure the blessings of the gods and successful completion of the activity. Hearts of palm are eaten in salads, sometimes called "millionaire's salad". Coconut palms yield roughly 20 percent of the market's oils and fats, Just Change Trust estimates. Many insect pests and diseases affect the species and are a nuisance for commercial production. Encyclopaedia Brittanica online. Traditionally, dessert banana plants and local wild beach flora such as Scaevola taccada and Ipomoea pes-caprae were used as humidity-supplying green undergrowth for coconut trees, mixed with sea almond and sea hibiscus. This page was last edited on 30 January 2023, at 13:03. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, meaning "monkey face." [18][19] Niu vai endocarp fragments have been recovered in archaeological sites in the St. Matthias Islands of the Bismarck Archipelago. In the Hainuwele myth from Maluku, a girl emerges from the blossom of a coconut tree. Coconut is a plant-based source of saturated fat. [98][99][100], Two important coconut products were first developed in the Philippines, macapuno and nata de coco. Narali Purnima is celebrated on a full moon day which usually signifies the end of monsoon season in India. [164] The smell of coconuts comes from the 6-pentyloxan-2-one molecule, known as -decalactone in the food and fragrance industries. Scientific studies have found it effective for treating enlarged prostate and improving serum cholesterol. They need annual rainfall of at least 120cm, temperatures from 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and sandy, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Cocos-like fossils of fruits include "Cocos" intertrappeansis, "Cocos" pantii, and "Cocos" sahnii. Trees grow up to 30 metres (100 feet) tall and can yield up to 75 fruits per year, though fewer than 30 is more typical. Mature coconuts are ovoid or ellipsoid in shape, 3045 cm (1218 inches) in length and 1520 cm (68 inches) in diameter. There are currently two major viewpoints on the origins of the genus Cocos, one in the Indo-Pacific, and another in South America. It enables toxins to be removed easily from harmful substances. A recently discovered palm, Beccariophoenix alfredii from Madagascar, is nearly identical to the coconut, more so than the queen palm and can also be grown in slightly cooler climates than the coconut palm. It is used for cooking various dishes. [7] A frayed piece of root can also be used as a toothbrush. Coir Developments Much of coir production is done by small holders meaning production is scattered and at small volumes. The reasons why coconut are cultivated only in Yemen's Al Mahrah and Hadramaut governorates and in the Sultanate of Oman, but not in other suitable areas in the Arabian Peninsula, may originate from the fact that Oman and Hadramaut had long dhow trade relations with Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Africa, and Zanzibar, as well as southern India and China. [3][4] It has also acquired religious significance in South Asian cultures, where it is used in Hindu rituals. All the parts-of the Wonder palm are useful to making in one way or other. They were selected for by the Austronesian peoples for their larger endosperm-to-husk ratio as well as higher coconut water content, making them more useful as food and water reserves for sea voyages. However, admixture, the transfer of genetic material, evidently occurred between the two populations. On the eve of Choti Holi . [85], In cooler climates (but not less than USDA Zone 9), a similar palm, the queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), is used in landscaping. Fishermen give an offering of coconut to the sea to celebrate the beginning of a new fishing season. [78] Manually climbing trees is traditional in most countries and requires a specific posture that exerts pressure on the trunk with the feet. Coconut palms require warm conditions for successful growth, and are intolerant of cold weather. This invertebrate builds armor from coconut halves", "Indonesia's veined octopus 'stilt walks' to collect coconut shells", "Coconut Fruit Of Lustre In Indian Culture", "How the Zulu coconut was saved from extinction", "Living Heritage Marcellin College Sina and the Eel", "The Fifth Voyage of Sindbad the Seaman The Arabian Nights The Thousand and One Nights Sir Richard Burton translator", Coconut revival new possibilities for the 'tree of life', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coconut&oldid=1136466340, Mean daily temperature above 1213C (5455F) every day of the year, Mean annual rainfall above 1,000mm (39in). Various other products made from thickened coconut milk with sugar and/or eggs like coconut jam and coconut custard are also widespread in Southeast Asia. The coconut's obscure origin in foreign lands led to the notion of using cups made from the shell to neutralise poisoned drinks. (1995). [92][93][94] Training schools for pig-tailed macaques still exist both in southern Thailand and in the Malaysian state of Kelantan. One of the primary economic contributions of the coconut is as a source of food. Coconut plays a significant role in the agrarian economy of India. Immature coconuts produce a sloshing sound when shaken (the sharper the sound, the younger it is), while fully mature coconuts do not. [27] The fruit may also be damaged by eriophyid coconut mites (Eriophyes guerreronis). For other uses, see, "Grated coconut" redirects here. Reduces inflammation. It kills bacteria in the mouth and reduces bad breath. It is also popular in Indonesia (where it is known as kopyor) for making beverages. The coconut sector in the past has been dominated by products, copra and coconut oil, and the international coconut trade used to be driven by the demand for . Virgin coconut oil is predicted to experience high demand from consumers with higher health consciousness and as well as aging population. The dried calyx is used as fuel in wood-fired stoves. [131][86], Coconut milk powder, a protein-rich powder can be processed from coconut milk following centrifugation, separation, and spray drying. there are a lot of untapped economic potentials in the Coconut industry which need to be . Coconut assumes considerable significance in the national economy of coconut-growing countries in view of rural employment and income generation. Especially immature coconuts (6 to 8 months from flowering) sold for coconut water and softer jelly-like coconut meat (known as "green coconuts", "young coconuts", or "water coconuts"), where the original coloration of the fruit is more aesthetically pleasing. [143], The sap can be reduced by boiling to create a sweet syrup or candy such as te kamamai in Kiribati or dhiyaa hakuru and addu bondi in the Maldives. [49][4] Indo-Atlantic type coconuts were also later spread by Arab and South Asian traders along the Indian Ocean basin, resulting in limited admixture with Pacific coconuts introduced earlier to Madagascar and the Comoros via the ancient Austronesian maritime trade network. However, they can be eaten anytime after seven months (1, 2). Coconut timber comes from the trunk, and is increasingly being used as an ecologically sound substitute for endangered hardwoods. Some cultivars are more drought resistant such as 'West coast tall' (India) while others such as 'Hainan Tall' (China) are more cold tolerant. (April 2006). Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The sap derived from incising the flower clusters of the coconut is drunk as toddy, also known as tub in the Philippines (both fermented and fresh), tuak (Indonesia and Malaysia), karewe (fresh and not fermented, collected twice a day, for breakfast and dinner) in Kiribati, and neera in South Asia. However, Cocos is not thought to be indigenous to South America, and the highest genetic diversity is present in Asian Cocos, indicating that at least the modern species Cocos nucifera is native to there. As of 2006, the U.S. annually imported 190 million pounds of coconut oil, whose worldwide trade reached $20 million. In Sanskrit, it is kalpa vriksha ("the tree which provides all the necessities of life"). Nutrition Facts: Vegetable Oil, Coconut. [6] On fertile soil, a tall coconut palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year, but more often yields less than 30. The discovery of this behavior was observed in Bali and North Sulawesi in Indonesia between 1998 and 2008. [161] It is used in horticulture in potting compost, especially in orchid mix. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Why is coconut called the Tree of Life? How do you choose the best tender coconut. (1992). Based on color and size, younger coconuts tend to be smaller and have brighter colors, while more mature coconuts have browner colors and are larger. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts. Domesticated Pacific coconuts, on the other hand, are rounded in shape with a thinner husk and a larger amount of endosperm. ", "Indian state decides coconut trees are no longer trees but palms", "Medieval Sourcebook: Ibn Battuta: Travels in Asia and Africa 13251354", "Coconut Industry in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Export Development Board", "Australia has a lot of coconut palms so why don't we have a coconut industry? It is sweet and high in nutritional value. Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images. Mature coconuts are ovoid or ellipsoid in shape, 3045 cm (1218 inches) in length and 1520 cm (68 inches) in diameter. [39] Thenga, its Tamil/Malayalam name, was used in the detailed description of coconut found in Itinerario by Ludovico di Varthema published in 1510 and also in the later Hortus Indicus Malabaricus. When left to ferment on its own, it becomes palm wine. Coconut flesh is high in fat and can be dried or eaten fresh or processed into coconut milk or coconut oil. [48][51][57] During the colonial era, Pacific coconuts were further introduced to Mexico from the Spanish East Indies via the Manila galleons. Saturated fat is associated with hypercholesterolemia high cholesterol , atherosclerosis hardening of the arteries , and heart disease. Mature Malakatad coconut meat has a tough texture and thus are processed before consumption or made into copra. The green of the leaves (lamina) is stripped away, leaving the veins (long, thin, woodlike strips) which are tied together to form a broom or brush. [26][27][31], Outside of New Zealand and India, only two other regions have reported Cocos-like fossils, namely Australia and Colombia. [147][148], Coconut vinegar, made from fermented coconut water or sap, is used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine (notably the Philippines, where it is known as sukang tuba), as well as in some cuisines of India and Sri Lanka, especially Goan cuisine. The aim is to knock a coconut off the stand and win it. Bangalore, Karnataka 560025, Monday to Friday 9:30 AM 5:30 PM [citation needed] They are also used in Hindu weddings as a symbol of prosperity. 2017-08-20 10:24:51. Coconuts only came into prominence as an important food item after the 1860s and this was largely due to its use by the Indian indentured immigrants who had replaced the slaves on the plantations and who had used coconuts in a variety of ways in their native land. Some cultivars such as 'Fiji dwarf' form a large bulb at the lower stem and others are cultivated to produce very sweet coconut water with orange-colored husks (king coconut) used entirely in fruit stalls for drinking (Sri Lanka, India). Is eating coconut good for your skin? The inner posterior tepal is completely outside. What Does The Fig Tree Represent In John 1? It forms the basis of wedding and worship rituals in Hinduism. The Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera L.) is referred as The Tree of Life due to its incredible value to man and the incredible number of products and by-products that can be created from it. The coconut tree provides food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials, among many other uses. Specimens have been collected from the sea as far north as Norway (but it is not known where they entered the water). Nutrition Facts: Vegetable Oil, Coconut. [86][87][88][84], The pole method uses a long pole with a cutting device at the end. The oil cakeis used to feed cattle.and poultry. Two of the pores are plugged (the "eyes"), while one is functional. [95], The practice of using macaques to harvest coconuts was exposed in Thailand by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 2019, resulting in calls for boycotts on coconut products. [176], It was the main food of adherents of the now discontinued Vietnamese religion o Da. In addition to the traditional products of copra, coconut oil and copra meal, coconut has the unique advantage of producing a wide variety of food and environment friendly non-food products which are used both domestically and for a global export market. [70] In the Hawaiian Islands, the coconut is regarded as a Polynesian introduction, first brought to the islands by early Polynesian voyagers (also Austronesians) from their homelands in the southern islands of Polynesia.[39]. in semiotics from Brown University and completed coursework for an M.A. These skilled, unpaid laborers can pick hundreds of coconuts daily. Home Fruits What Is The Importance Of Coconut? Coconut milk contains 5% to 20% fat, while coconut cream contains around 20% to 50% fat. The stiff midribs of coconut leaves are used for making brooms in India, Indonesia (sapu lidi), Malaysia, the Maldives, and the Philippines (walis tingting). Handwritten notes availableIf you find any doubt then you can ask me in the comment section below Please do like,share, comment the video and subscr. Due to growing sedentary lifestyles and heavy-handed landscaping, a decline in these traditional farming and soil-fixing techniques has occurred. Traditional areas of coconut in India are the states of Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Goa, West Bengal, Pondicherry, Maharashtra and Islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar. Coconut requires low to no inputs within an existing land use area unchanged in 100 years. Virgin coconut oil is predicted to experience high demand from consumers with higher health consciousness and as well as aging population. Australian cities put much effort into de-fruiting decorative coconut trees to ensure that the mature coconuts do not fall and injure people. In the west coast of India, the palm is an essential component in the homestead system of farming. They grow best near sea level, within 15 degrees of the Equator. Coconut oil helps bolster your skins protective barrier layer, trapping moisture inside and keeping skin supple and hydrated. In the 18th century, Belize exported dried coconuts to Britain to produce food . [66] However, it can also be argued that the placement of the vulnerable eye of the nut (down when floating), and the site of the coir cushion are better positioned to ensure that the water-filled nut does not fracture when dropping on rocky ground, rather than for flotation. It was first developed for commercial cultivation in the Philippines and is used widely in Philippine cuisine for desserts, drinks, and pastries. What is the economic importance of coconut? Her articles have appeared in "Newton Magazine" and she has contributed to myriad popular books, including "Masters of Deception" and "Click: The Ultimate Photography Guide for Generation Now." "[117] In the coconut industry, coconut meat can be classified loosely into three different types depending on maturity namely "Malauhog", "Malakanin" and "Malakatad". As per 201415 statistics from Coconut Development Board of Government of India, four southern states combined account for almost 90% of the total production in the country: Tamil Nadu (33.8%), Karnataka (25.2%), Kerala (24.0%), and Andhra Pradesh (7.2%). Economic Role Coconut palms yield roughly 20 percent of the markets oils and fats, Just Change Trust estimates. Miami is the only city outside of Greenwich, Connecticut, where the organization hosts an event. Coconut buttons are often used for Hawaiian aloha shirts. ", "Structure and Function of the Haustorim in Germinating Coconut Palm Seed", "Fossil fruit of Cocos L. (Arecaceae) from Maastrichtian-Danian sediments of central India and its phytogeographical significance", "An update of monocot macrofossil data from New Zealand and Australia", "A Fossil Coconut Fruit from the Early Eocene of Gujarat", "Long-distance dispersal of the coconut palm by migration within the coral atoll ecosystem", "Independent Origins of Cultivated Coconut (, "Ancient crops provide first archaeological signature of the westward Austronesian expansion", "Coconuts: not indigenous, but quite at home nevertheless", "An early sophisticated East Polynesian voyaging canoe discovered on New Zealand's coast", "Germination rate is the significant characteristic determining coconut palm diversity", "Deep history of coconuts decoded: Origins of cultivation, ancient trade routes, and colonization of the Americas", "Complete sequence and comparative analysis of the chloroplast genome of coconut palm (, The Coconut Odyssey the bounteous possibilities of the tree of life, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, "Report: 26 provinces quarantined for coconut pest", "Coconut production in 2019, Crops/Regions/World list/Production Quantity (pick lists)", "Petenes mangroves: types and severity of threats", "Health of coconut tree climbers of rural southern India medical emergencies, body mass index and occupational marks: A quantitative and survey study", "Philippine coconut industry: No monkey business here", "The Chemistry of Coconut Milk and Cream", "New mechanical coconut climbing device developed", "A study on skills for trade and economic diversification (STED) in the non-traditional coconut export sectors of the Philippines". The immature seeds are infested and desapped by larvae staying in the portion covered by the perianth of the immature seed; the seeds then drop off or survive deformed. Copra prices went down and plantations were neglected or under-planted with other crops. Macapuno is a coconut variety with a jelly-like coconut meat. [77], Coconut has a number of commercial and traditional cultivars. [91][85] In other areas, like in Papua New Guinea, coconuts are simply collected when they fall to the ground.