Facts about coconut. The most interesting and useful facts about coconuts

Residents of Africa claim that they know 99 ways to use the coconut palm. Drinks, jam, wine, vinegar are made from coconuts; from leaf buds - salad; Soap is made from oil, and it is also used for fuel in lamps; ; from fibers - clothes, tablecloths, ropes and paper; from the shell - dishes; from trunks - furniture; sawdust - ink...
Coconuts have gained incredible popularity and are now used not only as a dietary supplement and healthy drink, but also as a super ingredient in gourmet hipster recipes. However, these are not the only facts that speak about the benefits of the “fruit of life”:

Here are some more incredible facts about coconut.

- The coconut palm lives for about 100 years, producing up to 450 nuts annually.

-Coconuts are amazing fruits: they can float on the sea for a long time, and upon reaching the shore, take root and germinate thousands of kilometers from their place of birth. That is why coconut palms are widespread along the coasts of tropical seas.

- The inhabitants of the Pacific coast have a custom: plant a coconut tree when a child is born in a family, whose health is then assessed by the condition of the growing tree.

- Possessing bactericidal properties, coconut does not rot in any humidity, maintaining its firmness and elasticity for decades .

- From a botanical point of view, the coconut palm is not a tree, because it does not have bark, branches, and some other features. The coconut palm is a perennial woody plant.

- And “coconut” is not a nut at all! They are called nuts by mistake, since coconut is a drupe, a stone fruit, the same as plum, peach or apricot.

- A coconut tree cannot live without salt. It is estimated that one palm tree extracts 1.34 kilograms of salt from the soil per year. At the very edge of the ocean they reach their largest sizes, bear fruit well and live long. And at a distance of several kilometers from the coast, coconut palms grow poorly.

Prehistoric maps showing coconut trade routes

The strong coconut has been a key factor in the growth and development of many human civilizations. Now scientists have discovered just how important a role coconuts played in trade and migration.
There are more than 1,300 species of coconut, and they are divided into two main genetic origins: Pacific coconuts and Indian Ocean coconuts. By examining the genetic ancestry of coconuts, evolutionary biologist Kenneth Olsen and his team were able to trace the trade and migration routes of ancient human civilizations back to recent times.
The coconut and its history have been a staple trade product in many southern countries for many years. At different times, proceeds from the sale of coconuts significantly replenished the treasury of one or another state.

Coconuts generate electricity.

If you expose an open nut to the sun and attach electrodes to it, it turns into a battery that can supply electricity to a transistor receiver for a month. This is due to the fact that solar heat promotes the rapid development of special bacteria in the nut pulp - Aeromonas formicas, which secretes formic acid, which is the basis of the electrolyte of batteries for transistors. The vital activity of microorganisms leads to the decomposition of organic substances, turning the nut into a small power plant.

Currently, coconut trees also provide liquid fuel. for a small power plant in New Caledonia. An engine developed by French engineers was installed on one of the islands of this overseas possession of France. It is able to work on oil squeezed from copra - the core of a coconut. Until now, this oil has been used mainly in soap making, but without additional processing it can serve as fuel for a slightly modified internal combustion engine. The 165-kilowatt installation provides current for a desalination plant that produces fresh water from the ocean for 235 families living on the island. The inhabitants of other tropical islands also intend to acquire similar installations.
Biodiesel By the way, it does not harm the environment. Biodiesel is gaining popularity as an alternative to fossil fuels, and coconut trees are plants that can produce oil on an industrial scale. In addition, coconuts can perform a number of functions: be a base substance, an additive or a direct replacement for gasoline. And this should not be surprising at all - the very first diesel engines ran on peanut oil.

Coconut infusion therapy

Useful properties Coconut milk contains important components and is a short-term substitute for human blood plasma. During World War II, when there was a shortage of type IV blood, doctors used coconut milk instead. This technique was also approved in peacetime as an emergency intravenous fluid back in the 50s. There is at least one documented case where coconut infusion therapy was used in the Solomon Islands to treat a patient suffering from severe dehydration.

Monkeys trained to collect coconuts

It is dangerous for a person to climb palm trees; in addition, it is very inconvenient for a person to pick a 4.5-kilogram fruit from a tree while holding onto the trunk with the other hand so as not to fall. Therefore, coconut farmers have resorted to the help of monkey specialists who do the dirty work for them.

In tropical countries such as Sumatra and Thailand, farmers train monkeys to pick their coconuts. Most farmers keep their monkeys on long leashes, but some primates are so well trained that they respond to their owner's voice. The animals climb to the very top, drop coconuts from there, and then, on their way down, receive some kind of treat as a reward. One such macaque can collect about 1000 coconuts in a day

The demand for these animals is so great that you can get very good money for them. By the way, coconuts are the most favorite treat among rats because coconuts contain anti-cancer and medicinal substances. Rats climb onto a palm tree and gnaw the base on which the coconut rests. The coconut falls and breaks, and then it’s all down to business. But rats “work” for themselves, unlike monkeys.

Coconuts were used in gas masks during World War I

The First World War introduced the concept of large-scale gas warfare, in which gas masks became necessary for survival. Gas masks use coal to purify the air, but not all coal is created equally. Gas mask manufacturers in the United States have developed the concept of using steam activated coconut carbon, which is obtained by burning coconut shells, which are an important component in the production of gas masks. They found that those gas masks that used coconut charcoal gave better results in filtering out harmful substances.

Even today, coconut charcoal is still an important ingredient in the elimination of radiation and was actively used in cleaning up the consequences of the tragedy that occurred at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Coconut armor

Coconut armor In Kirabati, craftsmen were able to design and then make a protective suit made of coconut.

When we think of “coconut armor,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably a hollow coconut shell that is used as a makeshift helmet. However, craftsmen from the small Micronesian archipelago of Kiribati turned out to be much more inventive than one might expect. Their coconut suit was made of thick fabric made from coconut fiber. Wearing such a suit can be compared to wearing a really thick carpet. The armor consisted of a cap, body armor, back panel, leggings, and a jacket (a close-fitting jacket). A high collar on the back protected the warrior from stones thrown by his own troops - a primitive form of artillery support.

Coconut Palace

Coconut is not only good for eating, it is also an excellent building material. At least that's what former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos thought when he commissioned the construction of the Coconut Palace. Wanting to impress Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Philippines, Marcos commissioned the construction of this opulent palace, which cost as much as $10 million. Seventy percent of this two-story structure was constructed from coconut wood. Other various components of the coconut tree and its fruit are also included in the decoration and architecture.
Did the Coconut Palace impress the Pope? Certainly, but not what Marcos was counting on. Pope John Paul II found the palace too pretentious and luxurious (not to mention that he considered its construction an irresponsible move on the part of Marcos, who built it in a country with one of the highest poverty rates), and decided to stay elsewhere.

The art of coconut carving.

Coconut and art Coconuts are used to make a variety of sculptures. Namely, from copra, the top layer of coconut.

Gifted artists can create their masterpieces from anything they can get their hands on, and coconut, namely copra, the top layer of the coconut, is no exception. It was used as a material to create sculptures, both primitive and complex, with a high level of detail and craftsmanship. The smooth, crack-free coconut shell also makes an excellent canvas for holiday paintings.

Coconuts are also an integral part of some tropical folk dances and cultural events. . Take, for example, Maglalatik, a Filipino folk dance in which halves of coconut shells are tied to different parts of the male dancer's body and used as makeshift drums.

They are a sensation in popular culture

By now you've probably realized that coconuts are quite a popular fruit. Moreover, they became sources of inspiration for a number of musical sensations. One such sensation was Harry Nilsson's "Coconut," a playful and charming song that emerged in the '70s and quickly became one of the biggest hits of the decade. Since its reign on the airwaves, the song has appeared in numerous films (Reservoir Dogs, Shopaholic), television (The Simpsons, House, Doogie Howser's Dr.), and even in the video game Alan Wake.

Coconut vodka

And finally, coconut vodka from the Philippines is a country known to many. But not everyone knows that in this resort region they make vodka from coconut

No beach holiday is complete without a refreshing coconut drink to help you relax and unwind. But if you intend to have fun until you drop, then you should not write off coconuts, since they are indispensable in this matter.

In the Philippines, the juice from the unopened coconut flower is distilled into a strong drink called lambanog. This strong alcohol (80 to 90 proof) is completely organic and contains no chemicals. Lambanog is traditionally made at home, but some commercial distilleries have introduced several new flavors to the market, such as mango, blueberry and bubblegum.

10 Amazing Facts About Coconuts

Coconuts have become known as a dietary supplement, health drink, and ingredient in superstar diets. But this is not the only thing that the “fruit of life” is known for. We suggest finding out a little more facts about coconuts in our article.

10. Coconut IV

As it turns out, coconut water is an excellent short-term substitute for human blood plasma and has worked well as an intravenous fluid infusion back in the 50s. There has been at least one documented case where coconut IV was used in the Solomon Islands to treat a patient with severe dehydration.

9. Used in gas masks in World War I

The First World War introduced the concept of a large-scale gas attack, which made gas masks necessary for survival. Gas masks use carbon to purify the air. US gas mask manufacturers used coal produced by burning coconut husks. They found that masks using coconut charcoal were better at filtering out harmful substances. Even now, coconut carbon is still an important component in the fight against radiation and is widely used in the cleanup project at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

8. Trained Coconut Monkeys

It is very dangerous for people to climb palm trees. That's why coconut farmers "hire" specialist monkeys to do their dirty work for them. In tropical countries such as Sumatra, farmers train monkeys to collect coconuts. Most keep the animals on a long leash, but some monkeys are so well trained that they respond to their owner's voice.

Coconuts are not only good food, but also an excellent building material. At least that's what former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos thought when he built the Coconut Palace.

In an effort to impress Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Philippines, Marcos ordered the construction of a luxurious building costing 37 million pesos ($10 million). Seventy percent of this two-story structure is made from coconut lumber. Other various components of coconut tree and fruit are also included in the decoration and architecture. Did the Coconut Palace impress the Pope? Yes, but not definitely. Pope John Paul II found the palace too pretentious and flamboyant (not to mention irresponsible given the country's high poverty levels), and he decided to stay elsewhere.

Gifted artists can create beauty out of nothing, and coconut is no exception. It is used as a material for sculptures, both raw and processed. The smooth, continuous coconut shell also serves as a great canvas for holiday paintings.

Coconuts are an integral part of some tropical folk dances and cultural events. Take for example maglalatik, an indigenous dance of the Philippines. They use halves of coconut shells tied to various parts of the dancer's body and as drums.

5. Coco-fuel

Coconuts are good fuel for the body, but did you know that it is also an environmentally friendly fuel for cars? Biodiesel has become an alternative to fossil fuels and coconut trees are one of the plants that are capable of producing good quality "gasoline". Coconuts can act in different roles: as a base material, additive or direct substitute for petroleum diesel fuel. This shouldn't be too surprising - the earliest diesel engines ran on peanut fuel.

4. Prehistoric maps of coconut trade routes

The coconut has been a key factor in the growth and development of many human civilizations. And scientists have discovered just how important a role coconuts played in trade and migration. There are more than 1,300 species of coconut and they can be divided into two main genetic origins: the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. By exploring the genetic ancestry of coconuts, evolutionary biologist Kenneth Olsen and his team were able to trace the trade routes and migration routes of ancient human civilizations - all of which are still active today.

3. Coconut vodka

A beach holiday wouldn't be complete without a refreshing coconut drink to help you unwind. But if you want a party, don’t discount coconut. In the Philippines, the juice from unopened coconut is distilled into a powerful drink called lambanog. This is a strong thing, but natural and without chemicals. Lambanog is traditionally homemade, but some commercial distilleries have brought a couple of flavors to market - mango, bubblegum, and blueberry.

2. Coconut armor

When we hear “coconut armor,” the first image that comes to mind is probably a makeshift helmet hollowed out of a coconut shell. But the craftsmen in the small Micronesia of the Kiribati archipelago turned out to be much smarter.

Their coconut suit was made from tightly woven coconut fiber - like wearing a very thick carpet. The armor consists of a helmet, body armor, back plate, leggings and a jacket (fitted jacket). A high collar at the back protected the warrior from throwing stones from his own side: a primitive form of artillery support.

Hello friends! Coconut palms belong to the plant family known as Arecaceae and are the only species of the genus Cocos. They can grow up to 30 meters in height. Coconuts are the seeds of this palm tree and are considered a type of nut. Today we will look at all the most interesting facts about coconuts and decide what they are.

What is coconut?

Coconut is a drupe or coconut that grows on a palm tree. The coconut palm is a plant belonging to the Arecaceae family. There are over 1,300 types of coconuts that can be found in 80 different countries around the world. It grows only in tropical climates. This plant lives in sandy soil and requires plenty of sunlight and regular rainfall.

The coconut palm does not tolerate low temperatures and low humidity. Cultivated plants are susceptible to insect attacks, which can reduce nut production by hundreds of millions of dollars.

Coconut is an important part of the human diet as it contains valuable vitamins and minerals. In addition, coconuts are used in the production of various wooden products, in the construction industry, in the production of cosmetic products and as fuel.

The name "coconut" is believed to have been given to this palm by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. It comes from the Iberian "El Coco", which refers to a mythical hairy monster. The kernel and hair around the fetus likely gave rise to this connection.

And the scientific basis for this name originates from the Portuguese word “coco”, which means monkey. Agree, these three notches on the coconut really look like a monkey's face.

Coconut gas masks

During the First World War, gas attacks were very common, so gas masks were essential for survival.

Gas mask manufacturers in the United States developed a technology that used coconut carbonate, obtained by burning coconut husks, as an important component in the production of gas masks. They found that masks using coconut carbon were excellent at filtering out harmful substances.

Even now, coconut fuel carbon is still an important component for radiation cleanup and was heavily used in the cleanup project at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.

A lot of drinks and cocktails are made from coconut, but in the Philippines they went further and decided to make coconut vodka called lambanog. It contains no chemicals and is often made at home, but several large commercial manufacturers also make it.

The nut grows on a palm tree, as I said above, in large groups of 10-20 coconuts, up to 300 on one tree. The fruit ripens within 10 months and can reach 30 centimeters in diameter, weighing almost 3 kg. It is impossible to say exactly when palm trees appeared, but it is believed that coconuts were around during the time of dinosaurs. And the very first ones appeared on the territory of modern India. Then the palm tree began to spread naturally and is now found in almost all warm countries.

The record for the largest coconut ensemble was 5,877 people who played Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" using coconuts. The event was organized by the West End production of Spamalot to celebrate St. George's Day in Trafalgar Square, London, UK, April 23, 2007.

Another interesting fact about coconuts is their benefits for the human body. True, I would like to say right away that this is a high-calorie product (350 kcal per 100 g), so for those losing weight it is better to avoid it. But for those who are allergic to nuts or have diabetes, it is suitable. Because it contains a lot of fructose, not sucrose.

Due to its special composition, coconut is easily absorbed by the body. It also contains very valuable B vitamins, calcium, potassium, useful minerals and many other substances.

Coconut can be very beneficial for women, as it prevents breast cancer due to the lauric acid it contains, but in principle this has not been proven and is only an assumption, so it is better not to overdo it.

It may be useful for people with joint pain and cardiovascular diseases; it is good for the nervous system due to the intake of magnesium.

Today, real, ripened coconut, which grew under normal conditions, has no contraindications for consumption. Only for people who are intolerant to it.

Benefits of coconut milk for the body

Let's be clear that coconut milk is not the liquid that is inside the nut when you crack it, it is actually water. And coconut milk is obtained by very vigorously grinding the entire fruit.

And since coconut milk is the coconut itself, its beneficial substances are the same as those of the nut itself. That is, improvement of appetite, blood circulation, nervous system, vascular system, etc.

The most acceptable of all the methods that I read (hacksaw, hammer, etc.) I liked the following: fix the coconut, approximately measure the distance 1/3 from the holes in it and hit that place with a large knife, then turn it over and do it again do. A crack should appear and you can try twisting the coconut.

But it’s worth noting that if your fruit is green, then this method is unlikely to work; in your case, it’s really better to resort to a hammer.

By and large, no way, because it is covered with a very hard peel and you won’t know what’s going on inside until you crack it. But while standing in the store, it’s better to smell the nut so that there is no bad smell and hope for good luck.

The fact is that it is actually used everywhere. In cosmetology, in cooking, for industrial purposes, as fuel, in medicine and for creative purposes. Coconuts are used to make crafts, furniture, jewelry, creams, shampoos, coconut oil is very valuable and much more. In general, the result is waste-free production.

Mentions

One of the earliest mentions of the coconut comes from the story One Thousand and One Nights by Sinbad the Sailor; he is known to have bought and sold coconuts on his fifth voyage.

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Everyone knows that coconut is an excellent food product, it makes a healthy drink, and it has become a favorite ingredient in celebrity diets. But these are not all the facts known about the “fruit of life”.

10. Useful properties.

The coconut fruit contains many beneficial substances for the body. As it turns out, coconut water also contains important components and is a short-term substitute for human blood plasma, as evidenced by experiments conducted back in the 50s. Recently, a case was recorded where coconut was used to treat a seriously ill patient in the Solomon Islands.

9. Coconut in a gas mask.

The First World War featured many gas attacks, making gas masks a necessary means of survival. Carbon was used in gas masks to purify the air, but not all carbons are created in the same way. The United States has found a way to produce hydrogen from coconuts by burning its shells. Scientists found that gas masks using coconut carbon were superior at filtering out harmful substances.

Even now, coconut carbon still remains an important tool in the fight against radiation and was actively used during the accident at the Japanese Fukushima nuclear power plant.

8. Coconut and monkeys.

Picking coconuts is not an easy and dangerous task for humans, so farmers brought in monkeys, experts in this matter, to do the dirty work for them.

In tropical countries such as Sumatra, farmers trained monkeys to harvest coconuts for them. Most farmers control the animals with a long leash, but some monkeys are so well trained that they listen to their owner's voice commands. Such monkeys are in great demand and bring good income to their owner.

7. Coconut Palace.

Coconut not only has many nutrients, it is also an excellent building material. Former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos realized this when he built the Coconut Palace.

Wanting to surprise Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Philippines, Marcos ordered the construction of a luxurious mansion, which cost 37 million pesos ($10 million). Seventy percent of this two-story building is constructed from coconut lumber. Other various components of coconut tree and fruit are also included in the decorative and architectural elements.

Did the coconut palace impress dad? Yes, but not what we expected. Pope John Paul II condemned the palace, considering it too pretentious and pompous compared to the low standard of living of the country's population. Dad decided to stay somewhere else.

6. Coconut and art.

Talented artists can create beauty from what at first glance is not applicable in art. Coconut was no exception. It was used as a material for sculptures, both in its original form and in complex forms associated with unusual processing of coconut.

Coconuts are also an integral part of some ethnic folk dances and other cultural events. Thus, during the traditional Filipino dance maglalatik, halves of a coconut shell are tied to different parts of the man's body and used as an improvised drum.

5. Coconut fuel.

Coconuts are good fuel for the body, but did you know that they are clean fuel for cars? Biodiesel, which is an excellent alternative to existing fuels that are harmful to the environment, can be extracted from coconuts in significant quantities. Thus, coconut substances can serve several functions: they can act as a base substance, an additive, or a direct substitute for diesel.

4. Coconut and history.

The coconut has become a key factor in the growth and development of many civilizations. Modern scientists have discovered how significant a role coconuts played in the trade and migration of ancient peoples.

There are more than 1,300 species of coconut, and they can be divided into two main groups based on their genetic origins: those growing on the Pacific coast and the Indian Ocean coast. By studying the genetic origins of coconuts, evolutionary biologist Kenneth Olsen and his team were able to trace the major trade routes and migration routes of ancient human civilizations.

3. Coconut vodka.

Your seaside holiday wouldn't be complete without a refreshing coconut cocktail to help you unwind and unwind.

In the Philippines, a liquor called Lambanog is made from the unopened coconut flower. This drink is made from organic ingredients and does not contain chemicals. It is traditionally made at home, but recently Lambanog began to be produced in factories.

2. Coconut armor.

When we hear "coconut armor", the first thing that comes to mind is probably a hollowed out coconut shell used as a helmet. But the artisans of the Republic of Kiribati were able to do something more interesting.

Their coconut suit was made from a dense fabric of coconut fibers, resembling a very thick carpet. The armor consisted of a hat, body armor, back plate, pants and a tight-fitting jacket with a high collar.

1. Coconut and music.

Now you are convinced that coconut is quite a popular fruit. He became the object of inspiration for numerous musical works. "Coconut" sung by Harry Nilsson, a quirky and charming song that appeared in the early 70s and quickly became a hit. After appearing on air, the song repeatedly became a track for films and video games.

Distance learning is a means of implementing the learning process, which is based on the use of modern information and telecommunication technologies that allow learning at a distance without personal, direct contact between teacher and student.

Coconut palm nuts, commonly called coconuts, are widely distributed in the tropics and equatorial zone. Since in such conditions they grow and ripen all year round, it is not surprising that the local population has been eating them since ancient times, simultaneously finding use for durable coconut shells. Of course, you shouldn’t overdo it with drinking coconut milk, but in moderate doses it is very useful. At least that's what some scientists say.

Facts about coconuts

• In the small Pacific country of the Kingdom of Tonga, life is so calm that falling a coconut on the head tops the list of the most common causes of premature death.
• The word "coconut" comes from the Portuguese "coco", which means "monkey".
• In fact, the brown coconuts sold in stores are the kernel of the nut, peeled from a thick and durable shell.
• It is not known for certain where the coconut palm comes from, but it is believed that its homeland is the territory of modern Malaysia.
• Coconuts can cross oceans, after which, if they are washed ashore by waves, they can easily germinate and turn into a new tree.
• Coconut palms grow mainly along the coastline, although they can also be found inland if there is sufficient water.
• Indonesia occupies the first place in the world in coconut production by a large margin ().
• The trunk of a coconut tree can reach 45 cm in diameter and 30 meters in height, which is comparable to the height of a 10-story building.
• A coconut tree always has between 20 and 35 leaves.
• A coconut weighs on average between 1.5 and 2.5 kg and usually takes 8-10 months to ripen. These fruits grow in whole bunches of 15-20 pieces.
• According to botanists, coconut is not actually a nut, but is a drupe fruit. However, this name is firmly entrenched in everyday life.
• Coconut pulp contains almost all the substances necessary for the normal functioning of the human body.
• Coconut water and coconut milk are different products. The first is transparent and is obtained from green and unripe coconuts. And to make coconut milk, they use the oily water of the fruit mixed with its crushed pulp.
• If the coconut is not damaged, the water inside it is absolutely sterile, like a medical saline solution.
• Coconut water contains vitamins B1, B3, B6, E, C, folic acid and vitamin K, which is rare but important for the absorption of calcium.

• Thanks to its immunostimulating properties, coconut helps improve the general condition of the body of people with diabetes.
• A coconut tree needs a lot of salt to grow, so the further the tree grows from the shore, the shorter it usually is. And that is why palm trees grow mainly on the shores of salt water bodies, and not fresh water ones ().
• Since the coconut palm has neither branches nor bark, botanists classify it not as a tree, but as a perennial herbaceous plant.
• A variety of products are made from coconuts - oil, desserts, soft and alcoholic drinks, and much more.
• The coconut kernel, which seems so hairy, also has its uses. Coir, that is, these “hairs,” are peeled from the fruit, and then ropes and ropes are woven from it.
• In some countries, furniture is made from coconut tree trunks.
• In the Philippine capital of Manila there is a famous coconut palace, built entirely from the wood of a coconut palm.
• The average lifespan of this tree is 90-100 years.
• Over the course of a year, a palm tree grows up to 400-450 nuts.
• Thanks to its bactericidal properties, coconut does not rot even in heat and high humidity.
• Coconut processing products are widely used in the cosmetology industry.
• On average, about 150-160 people die each year as a result of falling coconuts, and these are only the reported cases. In reality there are probably many more.
• In some countries, people train monkeys to get coconuts from palm trees. In a day, a trained monkey can bring its owner up to 500-700 nuts.
• In the country of New Caledonia, one of the power plants runs on environmentally friendly oil squeezed from coconuts.
• Due to its sterility, coconut water was used in medicine as a blood plasma substitute until the mid-70s of the 20th century.