Coco and coconut apparently came from 1521 encounters by Portuguese and Spanish explorers with Pacific Islanders, with the coconut shell reminding them of a ghost or witch in Portuguese folklore called coco (also côca). In the West it was originally called nux indica, a name used by Marco Polo in 1280 while in Sumatra.
Who discovered coconut?
In the Pacific, coconuts likely were first cultivated on islands in Southeast Asia, meaning the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and perhaps the continent as well. In the Indian Ocean, the likely center of cultivation was the southern periphery of India, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives and the Laccadives.
How the name coconut came?
In Portuguese, ‘coco’ means ‘grinning face’ or ‘monkey face’ – (derived from the Portuguese for monkey – ‘macaco’) because that’s what the three dark circles on the shell resembled. Hence the Latin name for the palm: Cocos Nucifera (‘nucifera’ means nut-bearing).
What is the real name of coconut?
coconut palm, (Cocos nucifera), palm of the family Arecaceae, cultivated extensively in tropical areas for its edible fruit, the coconut. Coconut palms are found in tropical coastal areas nearly worldwide and probably originated somewhere in Indo-Malaya.
Why coconut has a nut in the name?
The flesh and water is referred to as the endosperm. So what you typically know as a coconut is actually only the endocarp and endosperm part. And that part can be considered as a nut. One seed comes out of one coconut, and there’s a hard shell, so a coconut can be considered a nut.
Why does a coconut have 3 holes?
The three “holes” are the result of the 3 carpels in coconut flowers, and three carpels is typical of the family Arecaceae (Palms). The “holes” are actually germination pores, where one is usually functional and the other two are plugged.
Are coconuts male or female?
The coconut is a monoecious plant producing male and female flowers separately on the same tree. There are also palms which produce either completely male or female flowers. The tendency to produce completely male inflorescences is frequently observed when the palm produces the spadix for the first time in its life.
Why is a coconut not a nut?
Coconut classification
Despite having the word “nut” in its name, a coconut is a fruit — not a nut. In fact, a coconut falls under a subcategory known as drupes, which are defined as fruits that have an inner flesh and seed surrounded by a hard shell.
Can dogs eat coconut?
The short answer is yes! Coconut meat is just as healthy, if not more so, than the coconut oil alone. They share similar properties since they come from the same place. Coconut is non-toxic to dogs, but it does contain medium chain triglycerides, which may cause some gastrointestinal upset and bloating.
What does the word coconut mean?
slang, derogatory a black or Asian person who conforms to white culture at the expense of his or her ancestral culture, the idea being that, like a coconut, he or she is dark on the outside and white on the inside.
Where was coconut first found?
Coconuts probably originated somewhere in Indo-Malaya and are one of the most important crops of the tropics. Coconut flesh is high in fat and can be dried or eaten fresh or processed into coconut milk or coconut oil. The liquid of the nut, known as coconut water, is used in beverages.
How old is the coconut tree?
The tall variety is commonly planted for commercial purposes. With a life span of 60-80 years, it is considered a “three-generation tree” as it can support a farmer, his children, and his grandchildren. The tree is slow to mature, bearing coconuts in six to 10 years.
How old are coconuts?
Healthy trees produce fruit in 5 to 10 years with full production reached between 12 and 20 years old. Tall tree varieties will fruit until the plant is around 80 years old, producing from 50 to 200 fruits throughout the year depending on variety.
What is the white ball inside a coconut?
Sprouted coconuts, also referred to as coconut sprouts, are the edible spherical sponge-like cotyledons of germinating coconuts. They have a crunchy watery texture with a slight sweetness. They are eaten in coconut-growing countries either as it is or as part of various dishes.
Is a coconut a berry?
Botanically, the coconut is classified as a fruit–more specifically, it is a drupe. Drupes are more commonly called stone fruits. Other stone fruits include peaches and nectarines; blackberries and raspberries are drupes comprised of aggregates of drupelets.
What happens if we eat coconut seed?
The coconut embryo helps improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, insulin secretion, and restores thyroid function as well. It is the perfect snack for those who are looking for weight loss and healthy eating!
How many people are killed by coconuts?
FALLING COCONUTS
Don’t fear the ocean on vacation. Instead, be cautious about the trees you’re walking under! Falling coconuts account for an average of 150 deaths per year.
Can you drink the water out of a coconut?
As a casual beverage, coconut water is considered safe. Coconut water does have calories — 45 to 60 calories in an 8-ounce serving. Weighing the pros and cons, plain water is still the smart choice.
Why does a coconut have a face?
The word “coconut” comes from Spanish “coco” meaning skull or scary face because of the 3 pores (or 3 eyes) making the little face on each and every coconut shell. Botanically, the coconut palm is not a tree since there is no bark, no branches or secondary growth.
Is coconut a fruit or a seed?
Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, which is a fruit with a hard stony covering enclosing the seed. A seed is the reproductive unit of a flowering plant. From a reproductive point of view, a seed has two basic parts: the embryo root (hypocotyl) and the embryo leaves (epicotyl).
What is coconut flower called?
The coconut inflorescence is enclosed in a double sheath or spathe, the whole structure known as a ‘spadix’ which is borne singly in the axil of each leaf. The palm is monoecious, i.e. its inflorescence carries both male and female flowers. The male flowers are more numerous than the female flowers.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.