A coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm, Cocos nucifera. The distinctive flavor of coconut makes it a very popular food, and a wide range of things are made with coconuts, from palm wine to coconut cream pie. Various coconut products can be found in the cuisine of many Asian nations, and they appear in other tropical diets as well, especially in the Caribbean.
The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a
staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.
Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.
Fresh coconut milk is often used in curries and soups in tropical nations. It is also used to flavor drinks and desserts. Like coconut milk, the flesh of coconuts has a high protein and fat content, and it has a very rich flavor. The flesh of coconuts can be grated and toasted as a garnish, added whole to desserts, chunked in soups and stews, and it may be fresh, dry, or roasted, depending on the dish and regional preferences.
The water inside a coconut is not the same thing as coconut milk, a popular creamy product which is actually made with the flesh of the coconut. Coconut water is crisp, cool, and refreshing, and it is often used in drinks in tropical regions. It is also high in vitamins and minerals, making it popular with the health food community. Coconut milk is made by grating the flesh, soaking it in hot water, and squeezing it, extracting a very rich, dense white liquid which is very high in protein and fat.
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