Thursday, January 10, 2013

Coconut Production


Fresh Coconut From Basey, Samar
The coconut palmCocos nucifera, is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family). It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. The spelling cocoanut is an archaic form of the word. The term is derived from 16th century Portuguese and Spanish cocos, meaning "grinning face", from the three small holes on the coconut shell that resemble human facial features.
Found throughout the tropic and subtropic area, the coconut is known for its great versatility as seen in the many domestic, commercial, and industrial uses of its different parts. Coconuts are part of the daily diet of many people. Coconuts are different from any other fruits because they contain a large quantity of "water" and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for drinking. When mature they still contain some water and can be used as seednuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and coir from the fibrous husk. Theendosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, becoming the edible coconut "flesh".[4] When dried, the coconut flesh is called copra. The oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying; coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics. The clear liquid coconut water within is a refreshing drink. The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating. It also has cultural and religious significance in many societies that use it.

Coconut Nutrition

Coconuts are one of the most nutritious of all fruits, but unfortunately in the United States they are also one of the most overlooked. Coconuts are not a traditional part of the American diet, but have been a staple food to many populations, such as island and Asian cultures, for centuries. 
Coconuts:  Young versus Mature


There are several different ways to enjoy fresh coconuts, which can be young or mature. Young coconuts have either a green shell or a white "husk" if the outer shell has been removed while mature coconuts are the more familiar-looking brown, hairy variety. The nutrients and physical characteristics change as a coconut matures. Young coconuts have more ‘water’ and soft, gel-like meat, and mature coconuts have firm meat and less ‘water.’ The nutrient values per 100-gram (edible) portion vary significantly as you can see in the chart below.

Source: Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Minerals contained in one cup of raw, shredded coconut
Contains 7.2 grams of dietary fiber and 2.66 grams of Protein.Nuts, coconut meat, raw
Potassium285 mg
Phosphorus90 mg
Calcium11 mg
Magnesium26 mg
Iron1.94 mg
Sodium16 mg
Manganese1.2 mg
Zinc0.88 mg
Copper0.348 mg
Selenium8.1 mcg

Health BenefitsCoconuts can add flavor, variety and--best of all--healthy nutrients to your diet. Coconuts are rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, and boosts the immune system.
Fresh coconut juice is one of the highest sources of electrolytes known to man, and can be used to prevent dehydration, for instance in cases of diarrhea or strenuous exercise, instead of a sports drink. Some remote areas of the world even use coconut juice intravenously, short-term, to help hydrate critically ill patients and in emergency situations. 

Other health benefits of coconuts and coconut oil include: 
   • Help you lose weight, or maintain your already good weight 
   • Reduce the risk of heart disease 
   • Lower your cholesterol 
   • Improve conditions in those with diabetes and chronic fatigue 
   • Improve Crohn’s, IBS, and other digestive disorders 
   • Prevent other disease and routine illness with its powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal    agents 
   • Increase metabolism and promotes healthy thyroid function 
   • Boost your daily energy 
   • Rejuvenate your skin and prevent wrinkles 
  
Where can I Find Coconuts?
 - well you can find the most affordable coconut in Basey, Samar and I'm sure you will return back to our products.