That's the bad news about coconut. That's not all?It's not a fruit, either. The US government classifies the coconut as a drupe. A drupe is a fruit with stony covering over a seed (like a peach or olive). It comes from the word drupa meaning overripe olive. That's why a coconut can basically be a nut, fruit and a seed.
The brown seed has a white inside and coconut liquid. It's oldest known reference is from the 5th Century AD when an Egyptian wrote about an "Indian nut" after traveling through the land.
Coconuts differ from other "fruits," because coconuts contain "water."
In fact, the coconut is called the "Tree of Life," because every bit of the coconut can be, and is, used. Coconuts produce drink, fiber, food, fuel, utensils and musical instruments.
Various parts of the coconut have culinary uses. The seed provides oil for frying, cooking and making margarine.
Coconut flakes, oil and milk, are used in recipes. The white, fleshy part of the seed, (the coconut meat) is used fresh, grated or dried, especially in confections and desserts such as macaroons. In fact, there are many recipes that include and feature the mighty coconut. There are recipes for coconut cookies, biscuits, muffins, cakes, pies, puddings, salads, granola, just to name a few.
A coconut delivers many health benefits and nutrition with rich fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Atkins produces a fabulous Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut Crunch, a decadent combination of crunchy almonds, sweet coconut and a smooth layer of dark chocolate. This snack sensation packs all the nutrition your afternoon needs with nothing you don't. It's so good,
Nutrition Information:
5g Protein; 1g Sugar; 8g Fiber; 190 Calories; 3g Carbs
Coconut water contains sugar, dietary fiber, proteins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and provides an isotonic electrolyte balance. It is consumed as a refreshing drink throughout the humid tropics, and is gaining popularity as a sports drink.
Coconut milk, not to be confused with coconut water, is obtained by pressing grated coconut or by passing hot water or milk through grated coconut, to extract juices, oil and aromatic compounds.
Coconut oil is thought to possess healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders also consider coconut oil to be a cure for all illness.
The coconut palm is valued as both a source of food and medicine that's understandably called "The Tree of Life." Modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.
Coconut growing regions are as far north as Hawaii and as far south as Madagascar. It's found throughout the tropics and subtropics. It takes up to a year for the coconut to mature.
To break open a coconut:
Wrap the coconut up so loose ends are secured underneath of the coconut. Then, when the coconut breaks open no pieces will go flying.
Place the coconut on the floor, concrete or other hard surface is best. Grab hold of your hammer and hit the brown shell hard. Some coconuts have grooves partially cut along the sides to make opening easier. If you have one of these, instead of wrapping up the coconut you can use the opposite end of the hammer and whack it around the groove until it splits open.
Once open, place the coconut over the container to drain the juice. If nothing comes out, you might drive a nail through the other side of the coconut to allow air to enter the top while the liquid drains from the bottom. If your nail bends, try using a slimmer one (or even a drill), the hole doesn't need to be big. Depending on the type of coconut you have this could take a few swings.
* Sources: Coconut Research Center, US Library of Congress, How to Open a Coconut, Wikepedia
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No one would guess the Atkins Diet is "based on delicious low-carb recipes and whole foods." If you are short on time, Atkins provides meal, snack, and treat bars and shakes to keep you satisfied, even when you are on the go. Here's how it works.
The good news about coconut is that it's healthy, healthy, healthy. Eat more coconut today.