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Coconut

Updated: Sep 29, 2020

Maplau | ต้นมะพร้าว | Cocos nucifera

Family: Cocous - Genus: C. Nucifera

Coconut can be found near the bungalows of Eco-Logic Thailand, in the food forest on Mount Never-rest. And in the area of Paksong.

 

The coconut tree is a member of the palm tree family and the only living species of the genus Cocos. The term "coconut" can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit. The name comes from the old Portuguese and Spanish word "coco", meaning 'head' or 'skull' after the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features. They can be found in coastal tropical regions, and are a cultural icon of the tropics.

Coconut can be harvested the whole year through.


 

The papaya is a small, sparsely branched tree, usually with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 meter tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. The lower trunk is usually scarred where leaves and fruit were borne. All parts of the plant contain latex.
Tree

THE TREE

Coconut trees grow up to 30 meter tall and can yield up to 75 fruits per year,

It is one of the most useful trees in the world, and is often referred to as the "tree of life".


 

The leaves of the papaya are large, 50-70 cm in diameter, with seven lobes.
Leaf

COCONUT LEAVES

The stiff midribs of coconut leaves are used for making brooms. The leaves also provide material for baskets that can draw well water and for roofing thatch; they can be woven into mats, cooking skewers, and kindling arrows as well. Leaves are also woven into small pouches, used for cooking. Dried coconut leaves can be burned to ash, which can be harvested for lime. The leaves are used for thatching houses, or for decorating frames and rooms.




 


The flowers are five-parted; the male flowers have the stamens fused to the petals. The female flowers have a superior ovary and five contorted petals loosely connected at the base. The flowers are sweet-scented, open at night, and wind- or insect-pollinated.
FLOWER

COCONUT FLOWERS

The flowers are five-parted; the male flowers have the stamens fused to the petals. The female flowers have a superior ovary and five contorted petals loosely connected at the base. The flowers are sweet-scented, open at night, and wind- or insect-pollinated.



 
The fruit is a large berry that is generally spherical or cylinder in form and about 15–45 centimeter  long and 10–30 centimeter in diameter. The fruit grows on the stem of the tree.
Fruit

COCONUT FRUIT

A full-sized coconut weighs about 1.4 kilogram. Botanically, the coconut fruit is a drupe, not a true nut. Like other fruits, it has three layers: the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp. The exocarp and mesocarp make up the "husk" of the coconuts. The endosperm is initially filled with coconut water.

As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, becoming the edible coconut "flesh".'


Coconuts sold in the shops of nontropical countries often have had the exocarp (outermost layer) removed.

The mesocarp is composed of a fiber, called coir, which has many traditional and commercial uses. The shell has three "eyes" that are clearly visible on its outside surface once the husk is removed.

 

COCONUT HEART OR STEM

Papaya leaf stems can be used as natural drinking straws. Perfect for fresh coconuts, juices and smoothies.
Heart of palm

Heart of palm is a vegetable harvested from the inner core of the coconut tree.

Heart of palm is edible and can be eaten on its own, and often it is eaten in a salad or curry.





 

CULINARY AND OTHER USES OF COCONUT

Young, green coconut contains a large quantity of clear liquid, called coconut water or coconut juice. Mature, ripe coconuts contain coconut flesh which is edible and used for many culinairy options. It can also be processed for oil and coconut milk from the flesh, charcoal from the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk.

Dried coconut flesh is called copra, and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking as well as in soaps and cosmetics.

Heart of palm can be eaten in salads or curry.


NUTRITION

Per 100-gram serving with 354 calories, raw coconut meat supplies a high amount of total fat (33 grams), especially saturated fat (89% of total fat), moderate content of carbohydrates (15 grams), and protein (3 grams). Micro nutrients in significant content include the dietary minerals, manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.


 

TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USE OF PAPAYA


NOTE: please take advice from a doctor if you are planning to use herbal medicine.


Coconut flesh

Is high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol.


Coconut water

Set to removes toxins, flushing the kidneys and bladder. High in phosphorus, calcium, and carbohydrates. It is good Source of Several Nutrients. May Have Antioxidant Properties, benefits Against Diabetes, may help prevent kidney stones, may support heart health, may reduce blood pressure, is said to be beneficial after prolonged exercise and is a good source of hydration.


Coconut oil

The oil made from coconut is very rich with vitamin E, it soothe dry and irritated skin, helping it keep naturally moisturized. Whereas coconut oil contains large amount of lauric acid (up to 60% of all fatty acids), herbal balm Coconut has antimicrobial properties and can be successfully used for remedy and prophylactics of acne.

Coconut oil is also natural care for hair and scalp: it nourishes and strengthen hair roots, prevents dandruff and moisturizes scalp. Thus herbal balm Coconut can be used as haircare product.

 

INTO THE WILD: a down to earth experience

For guests and visitors to Paksong we organize weekly tours "The Edible Forest" and Foraging weekends: Into the Wild. We work with local guides to take you in the jungle of Paksong. After foraging, we will cook a meal with the ingredients, using bamboo together with you!


Come and join and learn about the abundance of food that nature gives us!


INTO THE WILD!

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