Coconuts are members of the palm family and are referred to as pods (nuts). They are either baby green, half-mature, or fully mature.
The mature coconuts and outside fibers are used for ropes and fabric. The soft inner meat is eaten or used in cooking, and the plentiful water inside the green coconuts is a delicious beverage and cooking liquid.
As the coconut ages, the inner water reduces, and the meat is eaten or made into coconut flour, sugar, milk, cream, and oils used for cooking, as a massage oil, and in beauty and hair products.
Qualities and Energetics:
Nature: Sweet, Cool, Heavy, Grounding, Nutritive
Qualities: Vegan, alkaline, gluten-free, low-glycemic, moisturizing, boosts metabolism and brain function.
Dosha: Balances Pitta & Vata, but can increase Kapha
Vitamins: C, E, K, thiamin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and choline.
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.
Bio-Medicals: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulator, antacid, antimicrobial, livotonic, cardiotonic, moisturizer, and diuretic.
Common Products
Coconut Oils
Virgin is unrefined and is the most beneficial, and refined has been heated or bleached to remove its aroma and hampering its antioxidant qualities. Used in cooking and medicinally for body therapies
Coconut Water
Pure coconut water contains cytokines and lauric acid, which promote anti-aging and cell growth and balance pH and electrolytes. It also benefits the circulatory system and urinary tract and boosts metabolism.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk does not occur naturally. It is made by combining one part coconut with one part water and processing it into milk.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream has the same ingredients as coconut milk. It is made by combining four parts of coconut with one part of water, possibly adding thickeners. However, beware of added sugars.
Coconut Butter
Coconut Mana is coconut butter. It is made by purring dried coconut meat and removing the water. It is a delicious and sweet addition to baking, smoothies, oatmeal, etc.
Coconut Flour
It is made from dried, ground coconut meat, a byproduct of coconut milk production, and is used as a gluten-free alternative when baking.
Coconut-Palm Sugar (Jaggery)
It is made by draining the sap, adding water to make a syrup, and then drying it until it crystalizes and breaks into chunks.
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