Neera is a delicious natural non-alcoholic beverage, extracted from the spathe or the immature flower spike of coconut trees. A young, well-maintained tree can produce around 300 litres (79 US gallons) of toddy per year, while a 40-year-old tree may yield around 400L (110USgal). It has applications in furniture and specialized construction, as notably demonstrated in Manila's Coconut Palace. It is dried out disintegrated coconut meat. The origin of dwarf varieties is Southeast Asia, which contain the tall cultivars that are genetically closest to dwarf coconuts. They eventually form the edible solid endosperm (the "coconut meat" or "coconut flesh") which hardens over time. These provide substantial circumstantial evidence that deliberate Austronesian voyagers were involved in carrying coconuts across the Pacific Ocean and that they could not have dispersed worldwide without human agency. PETA later clarified that the use of macaques is not practiced in the Philippines, India, Brazil, Colombia, Hawaii, and other major coconut-producing regions. The husks of the coconut are a source of coir, a fiber used in the production of brushes, matting, and other products. Coconuts sold domestically in coconut-producing countries are typically not de-husked. Coconut oil has high world demand as an ingredient in cosmetics, soaps, hair oils, body oils and in food products and has surged in popularity because of its health benefits. Decayed roots are replaced regularly as the tree grows new ones. [104], In Goa, the coconut tree has been reclassified by the government as a palm (rather than a tree), enabling farmers and developers to clear land with fewer restrictions and without needing permission from the forest department before cutting a coconut tree.[105][106]. [116], It is one of the most useful trees in the world.[16]. Rigby (1995) assigned them to modern Cocos nucifera based on its size. They can also be cooked in sugar and eaten as a dessert in the Philippines known as bukayo.[117][123][124][125][126]. Micronutrients in significant content (more than 10% of the Daily Value) include the dietary minerals, manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc (table). The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports the top producers are the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, and India. A coconut can be hollowed out and used as a home for a rodent or small birds. ; Putter, C.A.J. The fats in the coconut minimize the pores that attract dirt and bacteria and prevent skin from getting damaged. They were commonly carried by Spanish ships as a source of fresh water. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The use of coconut branches in corporal punishment was revived in the Gilbertese community on Choiseul in the Solomon Islands in 2005. Coconut trunks are used for building small bridges and huts; they are preferred for their straightness, strength, and salt resistance. Source of Raw Material for the Agro-Based Industries In the agro-based industry, fruit growing offers the raw materials for canning and preserving products, among other things fresh fruits. The liquid of the nut, known as coconut water, is used in beverages. They played a critical role in the long sea voyages of Austronesians by providing a portable source of food and water, as well as providing building materials for Austronesian outrigger boats. The boiled young seedlings of Borassus flabellifer palmyra palm are edible and its fruits are eaten raw. Virgin coconut oil is predicted to experience high demand from consumers with higher health consciousness and as well as aging population. Malauhog (literally "mucus-like") refers to very young coconut meat (around 6 to 7 months old) which has a translucent appearance and a gooey texture that disintegrates easily. What are the physical characteristics of a coconut? The endocarp is around .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}4 millimetres (18 inch) thick and has three distinctive germination pores (micropyles) on the distal end. ; Diekmann, M. Though Kerala has the largest number of coconut trees, in terms of production per hectare, Tamil Nadu leads all other states. [102], Coconut milk, not to be confused with coconut water, is obtained by pressing the grated coconut meat, usually with hot water added which extracts the coconut oil, proteins, and aromatic compounds. (2009). In the United States, coconut palms can be grown and reproduced outdoors without irrigation in Hawaii, southern and central Florida,[110] and the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The immature seeds are infested and desapped by larvae staying in the portion covered by the perianth of the immature seed; the seeds then drop off or survive deformed. ", "Structure and Function of the Haustorim in Germinating Coconut Palm Seed", "Fossil fruit of Cocos L. (Arecaceae) from Maastrichtian-Danian sediments of central India and its phytogeographical significance", "An update of monocot macrofossil data from New Zealand and Australia", "A Fossil Coconut Fruit from the Early Eocene of Gujarat", "Long-distance dispersal of the coconut palm by migration within the coral atoll ecosystem", "Independent Origins of Cultivated Coconut (, "Ancient crops provide first archaeological signature of the westward Austronesian expansion", "Coconuts: not indigenous, but quite at home nevertheless", "An early sophisticated East Polynesian voyaging canoe discovered on New Zealand's coast", "Germination rate is the significant characteristic determining coconut palm diversity", "Deep history of coconuts decoded: Origins of cultivation, ancient trade routes, and colonization of the Americas", "Complete sequence and comparative analysis of the chloroplast genome of coconut palm (, The Coconut Odyssey the bounteous possibilities of the tree of life, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, "Report: 26 provinces quarantined for coconut pest", "Coconut production in 2019, Crops/Regions/World list/Production Quantity (pick lists)", "Petenes mangroves: types and severity of threats", "Health of coconut tree climbers of rural southern India medical emergencies, body mass index and occupational marks: A quantitative and survey study", "Philippine coconut industry: No monkey business here", "The Chemistry of Coconut Milk and Cream", "New mechanical coconut climbing device developed", "A study on skills for trade and economic diversification (STED) in the non-traditional coconut export sectors of the Philippines". The global virgin coconut oil market captured significant revenue in 2016 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of around 11% over the forecast period. Mature, ripe coconuts can be used as edible seeds, or processed for oil and plant milk from the flesh, charcoal from the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk. India contribute about 50% coir production. This article was most recently revised and updated by. What are the health benefits of coconut water? In Florida, wild populations of coconut palms extend up the East Coast from Key West to Jupiter Inlet, and up the West Coast from Marco Island to Sarasota. [184], In March 1521, a description of the coconut was given by Antonio Pigafetta writing in Italian and using the words "cocho"/"cochi", as recorded in his journal after the first European crossing of the Pacific Ocean during the Magellan circumnavigation and meeting the inhabitants of what would become known as Guam and the Philippines. Economic Importance of Coconut | PDF - scribd.com In addition to its economic value as a source of food and materials, the coconut is also an important source of income for many small-scale farmers and communities. Production is based in Southern Asia, Central and South America, Oceania and southern Africa; Asia accounts for 84 percent. Thailand has been raising and training pig-tailed macaques to pick coconuts for around 400years. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports the top producers are the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, and India. econom y of Sri Lanka. Additionally, a genetically distinct subpopulation of coconut on the Pacific coast of Latin America has undergone a genetic bottleneck resulting from a founder effect; however, its ancestral population is the Pacific coconut from the Philippines. [58], The extent of cultivation in the tropics is threatening a number of habitats, such as mangroves; an example of such damage to an ecoregion is in the Petenes mangroves of the Yucatn. Since these fruits are likewise high in fat, they can help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm. [132] Coconut milk can be diluted to create coconut milk beverages. It can be used in liquid form as would other vegetable oils, or in solid form similar to butter or lard. [91][85] In other areas, like in Papua New Guinea, coconuts are simply collected when they fall to the ground. Long-term consumption of coconut oil may have negative health effects similar to those from consuming other sources of saturated fats, including butter, beef fat, and palm oil. WHY COCONUT IS SO IMPORTANT - Cocoanesia (PDF) The Coconut Industry: A Review of Price - ResearchGate The coconut industry is an important pillar of Philippine agriculture. Bangalore, Karnataka 560025, Monday to Friday 9:30 AM 5:30 PM Because the nuts can fall from a height of 30 yards, in Southern Asia and Australia, monkeys (e.g., Malaya macaques) are trained to harvest them. [158], The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club of New Orleans traditionally throws hand-decorated coconuts, one of the most valuable Mardi Gras souvenirs, to parade revelers. Two of the pores are plugged (the "eyes"), while one is functional. [165], Researchers from the Melbourne Museum in Australia observed the octopus species Amphioctopus marginatus use tools, specifically coconut shells, for defense and shelter. It is further strengthened by other similar botanical evidence of contact, like the pre-colonial presence of sweet potato in Oceanian cultures. It is sweet and high in nutritional value. In addition to the traditional products of copra, coconut oil and copra meal, coconut has the unique advantage of producing a wide variety of food and environment friendly non-food products which are used both domestically and for a global export market. In 2020, world production of coconuts was 62 million tonnes, led by Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, with 75% combined of the total (table). However, like most palm fossils, Cocos-like fossils are still putative, as they are usually difficult to identify. [131][86], Coconut milk powder, a protein-rich powder can be processed from coconut milk following centrifugation, separation, and spray drying. What's the economic importance of Makapuno coconut - Google Groups The tender coconutis witnessing a surge in sales in the country. The Coconut Research Center describes the nut as rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals with oil comprising mainly medium-chain fatty acids. Food Industry Coconut is known as a common ingredient in food processing. World Economic Importance | SpringerLink ~The effect will be much stronger when consumed by adding ~When mask made with milk inside coconut, color tone of skin will be opened. The Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera L.) is referred as The Tree of Life due to its incredible value to man and the incredible number of products and by-products that can be created from it. Although archaeological remains dating back to 1000 to 500BCE also suggest that the Indo-Atlantic coconuts were also later independently cultivated by the Dravidian peoples, only Pacific coconuts show clear signs of domestication traits like dwarf habits, self-pollination, and rounded fruits. All rights reserved. The mesocarp is composed of a fiber, called coir, which has many traditional and commercial uses. From this vinegar jaggery and sugar is prepared. "[117] In the coconut industry, coconut meat can be classified loosely into three different types depending on maturity namely "Malauhog", "Malakanin" and "Malakatad". Coconut (Cocos nucifera). [121][122], Both Malauhog and Malakanin coconut meat of immature fruits can be eaten as is or used in salads, drinks, desserts, and pastries such as buko pie and es kelapa muda. Dried copra gives 60 to 67% oil and 33-40% oil cake. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 59 (7): 995. Coconut plantations can provide wildlife and habitat conservation economic buffer zones. Coconuts could not reach inland locations without human intervention (to carry seednuts, plant seedlings, etc.) [78], A more controversial method employed by a small number of coconut farmers in Thailand and Malaysia use trained pig-tailed macaques to harvest coconuts. Economic Value of Climate Variability Impacts on Coconut Production in Indo-Atlantic coconuts were also introduced into the Atlantic Ocean by Portuguese ships from their colonies in coastal India and Sri Lanka; first being introduced to coastal West Africa, then onwards into the Caribbean and the east coast of Brazil. One of the primary economic contributions of the coconut is as a source of food. In the Hainuwele myth from Maluku, a girl emerges from the blossom of a coconut tree. They control formation and circulation of fats in body. These varieties were selected for slower growth, sweeter coconut water, and often brightly-colored fruits. 1) Coconut Water: It is liquid endosperm. [39] Thenga, its Tamil/Malayalam name, was used in the detailed description of coconut found in Itinerario by Ludovico di Varthema published in 1510 and also in the later Hortus Indicus Malabaricus. Dried coconut flesh is called copra, and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking frying in particular as well as in soaps and cosmetics. It is an important commercial product obtained from the husk of coconut. Research into countermeasures to these pests has as of 2009[update] yielded no results; researchers from the Kerala Agricultural University and the Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Kasaragode, continue to work on countermeasures. Sweet coconut sap can be made into drinks or fermented into palm wine or coconut vinegar. Medium chain fats have also been known to help in weight loss and reduce waist circumference. Macapuno is a coconut variety with a jelly-like coconut meat. More recently, genomic analysis of cultivated coconut (C.nucifera L.) has shed light on the movement. In Johann Vollmann and Istvan Rajcan (Eds.). They grow best near sea level, within 15 degrees of the Equator. Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking, especially for frying. While comparable to sports drinks, which can be loaded with added sugars and flavorings, coconut water is low in calories and carbs. [7][8][9] Given proper care and growing conditions, coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten years, taking 15 to 20 years to reach peak production. Immature coconuts produce a sloshing sound when shaken (the sharper the sound, the younger it is), while fully mature coconuts do not. Future Fibres: Coir - Food and Agriculture Organization Very very educational many thanx for your elaborate description.Raheem, Your email address will not be published. Choti Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, is an important Hindu festival celebrated throughout India, one day before the main Holi festival. [6] On fertile soil, a tall coconut palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year, but more often yields less than 30. Full article: Overview and Constraints of the Coconut Supply Chain in The endocarp or shell is used for fuel for making shell charcoal, activated carbon etc. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Coconut water can be fermented to produce coconut vinegar. Several countries' economies are based on the coconut palm. Coconut oil is also considered good for hair. Only a few of the roots penetrate deep into the soil for stability. [7] A frayed piece of root can also be used as a toothbrush. Whether you are starting your first company or you are a dedicated entrepreneur diving into a new venture, Bizfluent is here to equip you with the tactics, tools and information to establish and run your ventures. Omani people needed the coir rope from the coconut fiber to stitch together their traditional seagoing dhow vessels in which nails were never used. Phylogenetic evidence supports the closest relatives of Cocos being either Syagrus or Attalea, both of which are found in South America. It is eaten as is or used as an ingredient in various dishes. [45] They are now almost ubiquitous between 26N and 26S except for the interiors of Africa and South America. Palm wine is distilled to produce arrack. As of 2006, the U.S. annually imported 190 million pounds of coconut oil, whose worldwide trade reached $20 million. Every part of the palm is usable for human needs -- food, shelter and fiber. Copra prices went down and plantations were neglected or under-planted with other crops. Some dried coconut is purely coconut, but others are manufactured with other ingredients, such as sugar, propylene glycol, salt, and sodium metabisulfite. What's Funny About The Business Of Monkeys Picking Coconuts? Female flower Bracteate, ebracteolate, sessile, pistillate, incomplete, trimerous, actinomorphic and hypogynous. Since then, numerous other fossils of similar fruits were recovered throughout New Zealand from the Eocene, Oligocene, and possibly the Holocene. [37][38] In the West it was originally called nux indica, a name used by Marco Polo in 1280 while in Sumatra. [177], Some South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Ocean cultures have origin myths in which the coconut plays the main role.