The dried calyx is used as fuel in wood-fired stoves. Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images. Other cultivars of niu leka may also exist in other islands of the Pacific, and some are probably descendants of advanced crosses between Compact Dwarfs and Southeast Asian Dwarf types.[11][65]. Easily kills parasites and helps remove them from body. Traditionally, dessert banana plants and local wild beach flora such as Scaevola taccada and Ipomoea pes-caprae were used as humidity-supplying green undergrowth for coconut trees, mixed with sea almond and sea hibiscus. From here, island-hopping via coral atolls lining the Tethys Sea, potentially boosted by the ocean currents at the time, would have proved crucial to dispersal, eventually allowing ancestral coconuts to reach India. It is a tree that is cultivated for its multiple utilities, mainly for its nutritional and medicinal values. Its development would . The Makapuno (phenomenon) coconut is recognized to be due to the absence of two enzymes in the nut that are responsible in the degradation of the galactomannan in the solid endosperm so that it remains soft and this has become the characteristic of the nut. He took the term from the Arabs, who called it jawz hind, translating to 'Indian nut'. [101][102], Traditional areas of coconut cultivation in India are the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal and, Gujarat and the islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar. [45] They are now almost ubiquitous between 26N and 26S except for the interiors of Africa and South America. Domesticated plants and animals of Austronesia, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Learn how and when to remove this template message, more deaths are caused by falling coconuts than by sharks, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, "Rise in coconut yield, farming area put India on top", "How Long Does It Take for a Coconut Tree to Get Coconuts? The Pacific group is the only one to display clear genetic and phenotypic indications that they were domesticated; including dwarf habit, self-pollination, and the round "niu vai" fruit morphology with larger endosperm-to-husk ratios. A single coconut palm may yield 100 coconuts annually, and each fruit requires a year to fully ripen. The fruit may also be damaged by eriophyid coconut mites (Eriophyes guerreronis). It has a crunchy watery texture and a slightly sweet taste. Man cannot subsist solely on cereal grains. They are ubiquitous in coastal tropical regions and are a cultural icon of the tropics. [45], Modern genetic studies have identified the center of origin of coconuts as being the Central Indo-Pacific, the region between western Southeast Asia and Melanesia, where it shows greatest genetic diversity. The tender coconutis witnessing a surge in sales in the country. 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. It is spread by host insects, that thrive on heavy turf grasses. Apical buds of adult plants are edible, and are known as "palm cabbage" or heart of palm. [150] Its chronic consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases by raising total blood cholesterol levels through elevated blood levels of LDL cholesterol and lauric acid. The aim is to knock a coconut off the stand and win it. A study in 2008 showed that the coconuts in the Americas are genetically closest related to coconuts in the Philippines, and not to any other nearby coconut populations (including Polynesia). [4], The niu vai form is the domesticated form dominant in the Pacific coconuts. 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. It is claimed that they evolved to disperse significant distances via marine currents. The natural planting, harvesting, and processing of coconuts along with its tropical climate makes for perfect growth conditions of this tropical delicacy. Perera, Lalith, Suriya A.C.N. 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. ; Putter, C.A.J. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports the top producers are the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, and India. What are the health benefits of coconut water? Scientific studies have found it effective for treating enlarged prostate and improving serum cholesterol. The Coconut Research Center describes the nut as rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals with oil comprising mainly medium-chain fatty acids. Dried coconut is also used as the filling for many chocolate bars. In the Philippines, the coconut is commonly called the "tree of life". The traditional coconut farming in these countries is an integral part of their life, culture and identity. 70% of the total coconut production is for domestic consumption in most producing countries making Coconut a critical global food security crop. Besides, the stem is used for construction of houses and leaves are used for thatching, fencing and making baskets and broomsticks. Conclusion A high source of important vitamins and minerals, as well as high in fibre, fruits are an excellent food choice. [112] Proteins from coconut may cause food allergy, including anaphylaxis. [103] Other states, such as Goa, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, and those in the northeast (Tripura and Assam) account for the remaining productions. It is a haustorium, a spongy absorbent tissue formed from the distal portion of embryo during coconut germination, facilitates absorption of nutrients for the growing shoot and root.[142]. Malakatad (literally "leather-like") refers to fully mature coconut meat (around 8 to 9 months old) with an opaque white appearance, a tough rubbery to leathery texture, and is difficult to separate from the shell. Lately, civil wars and crop failures have driven up the EU Rotterdam coconut oil price, which has doubled during 2010-2011, nearing $2,000 per tonne, according to the UK Grocer. In comparison, mature coconuts with the husk intact can be stored for three to five months at normal room temperature . The meat of green coconuts is still developing, so they contain mostly water (2). The liquids inside of a coconut are available as Shredded sweetened coconut 100g 500 calories 48g carbs 43g sugar 35g fat 4. Coconut water is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when consumed as a drink. the coconut indu stry of g reat economic imp orta nce. [131][86], Coconut milk powder, a protein-rich powder can be processed from coconut milk following centrifugation, separation, and spray drying. It can be eaten as food or used as medicine. As of 2006, the U.S. annually imported 190 million pounds of coconut oil, whose worldwide trade reached $20 million. The tradition began in the 1910s, and has continued since. Several countries' economies are based on the coconut palm. All rights reserved. Every part of the palm is usable for human needs -- food, shelter and fiber. [143], The sap can be reduced by boiling to create a sweet syrup or candy such as te kamamai in Kiribati or dhiyaa hakuru and addu bondi in the Maldives. Add an answer. What are the economic importance of coconut? A coconut (Sanskrit: narikela) is an essential element of rituals in Hindu tradition. [134][135] It can also be diluted into a beverage. Adsule, and S.S. Kadam. [96] A sprouting coconut seed is the logo for Gerakan Pramuka Indonesia, the Indonesian scouting organization. However, they can be eaten anytime after seven months (1, 2). Such an origin indicates that the coconuts were not introduced naturally, such as by sea currents. Because coconut milk and oil nourish skin, moisturizing, restorative, vitality to skin, has a radiant effect. [138] Coconut oil extracted from coconut milk or copra is also used for frying, cooking, and making margarine, among other uses.[134][139]. Coconut (Cocos nucifera). It is predominantly used in the bakery and confectionary industries (especially in non-coconut-producing countries) because of its longer shelf life compared to freshly grated coconut. Improves hair health: Eating or applying coconut oil in your hair stimulates hair growth, prevents hair breakage and split ends. [107] The annual rainy season known locally as khareef or monsoon makes coconut cultivation easy on the Arabian east coast. This, together with their use of the South American sweet potato, suggests that Austronesian peoples may have sailed as far east as the Americas. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Coconuts sold domestically in coconut-producing countries are typically not de-husked. Coconut oil and milk are ingredients in cooking, frying, soaps and cosmetics, and foods like margarine and popcorn. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, meaning "monkey face." Coconut water can be drunk fresh or used in cooking as in binakol. 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. Though Kerala has the largest number of coconut trees, in terms of production per hectare, Tamil Nadu leads all other states. Why Are There No Coconuts In North India? They can be sorted mainly into tall cultivars, dwarf cultivars, and hybrid cultivars (hybrids between talls and dwarfs). [147][148], Coconut vinegar, made from fermented coconut water or sap, is used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine (notably the Philippines, where it is known as sukang tuba), as well as in some cuisines of India and Sri Lanka, especially Goan cuisine. [13] Like other fruits, it has three layers: the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp. She has worked in some of the worlds most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Some seasonal variation is tolerated, with good growth where mean summer temperatures are between 28 and 37C (82 and 99F), and survival as long as winter temperatures are above 412C (3954F); they will survive brief drops to 0C (32F). The coconut oil is in great demand for edible purposes, for soap making toilet preparation. It is dried out disintegrated coconut meat. Cocos-like fossils of fruits include "Cocos" intertrappeansis, "Cocos" pantii, and "Cocos" sahnii. However, they can be eaten anytime after seven months 1, 2. [27][28] Endt & Hayward (1997) have noted their resemblance to members of the South American genus Parajubaea, rather than Cocos, and propose a South American origin. Coconuts probably originated somewhere in Indo-Malaya and are one of the most important crops of the tropics. Its fruits are similar to the coconut, but smaller. Neera has a low glycemic count at 35 compared to cane sugar or sugarcane juice that has a glycemic count of 80. For other uses, see, "Coconut tree" redirects here. The dry husk yields coir, a fibre highly resistant to salt water and used in the manufacture of ropes, mats, baskets, brushes, and brooms. Only a few of the roots penetrate deep into the soil for stability. They need annual rainfall of at least 120cm, temperatures from 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and sandy, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Indonesia overtook it in 2010. 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. Stem Aerial, erect, unbranched and columnar, having prominent scars of leaf bases. It enables toxins to be removed easily from harmful substances. This results in the naked coconut "shell" with three pores more familiar in countries where coconuts are not grown locally. What are the importance of coconut and its different uses? The Coconut tree belongs to the palm family. It is cultivated by about 11 million farmers on 12 million hectares; 80% of total production comes from Asia (Adkins et al., 2006). 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.