What's Funny About The Business Of Monkeys Picking Coconuts? Based on these separate introductions, coconut populations can still be divided into Pacific coconuts and Indo-Atlantic coconuts, respectively. [78] Manually climbing trees is traditional in most countries and requires a specific posture that exerts pressure on the trunk with the feet. coconut, edible fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), a tree of the palm family (Arecaceae). Therefore, heavy turf grass environments (beach resorts and golf courses) also pose a major threat to local coconut trees. [65][64] The fact that all dwarf coconuts share three genetic markers out of thirteen (which are only present in low frequencies in tall cultivars) makes it likely that they all originate from a single domesticated population. ", "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". Mature coconuts, ovoid or ellipsoid in shape, 300450 mm (1218 inches) in length and 150200 mm (68 inches) in diameter, have a thick fibrous husk surrounding the familiar single-seeded nut of commerce. Nevin KG. [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. 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. Scientific studies have found it effective for treating enlarged prostate and improving serum cholesterol. The coconut palm is an important crop in many tropical countries, providing food products and raw materials for industries (Jones, 1991). The meat may also be grated and mixed with water to make coconut milk, which is used in cooking and as a substitute for cows milk. [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. It is further strengthened by other similar botanical evidence of contact, like the pre-colonial presence of sweet potato in Oceanian cultures. (April 2006). [158], The leftover fiber from coconut oil and coconut milk production, coconut meal, is used as livestock feed. Very very educational many thanx for your elaborate description.Raheem, Your email address will not be published. Oilseeds, overall. [62] The two groups are genetically distinct, with the dwarf variety showing a greater degree of artificial selection for ornamental traits and for early germination and fruiting. The fresh husk of a brown coconut may serve as a dish sponge or body sponge. The dried calyx is used as fuel in wood-fired stoves. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits because their endosperm contains a large quantity of clear liquid, called coconut water or coconut juice. [118][119] Another method is to shake the coconut. Malauhog has a "solid" sound when tapped, while Malakanin and Malakatad produce a "hollow" sound. in history at New Mexico State University. [citation needed] They are also used in Hindu weddings as a symbol of prosperity. As of 2006, the U. Coconut is a crop of small and marginal farmers since 98% of about five million coconut holdings in the country are less than two hectares. They grow best near sea level, within 15 degrees of the Equator. A single coconut palm may yield 100 coconuts annually, and each fruit requires a year to fully ripen. (1992). Early Spanish explorers called it coco, meaning "monkey face." Virgin coconut oil is predicted to experience high demand from consumers with higher health consciousness and as well as aging population. These varieties were selected for slower growth, sweeter coconut water, and often brightly-colored fruits. Neera is a delicious natural non-alcoholic beverage, extracted from the spathe or the immature flower spike of coconut trees. The fruit is adapted for ocean dispersal. Coconut Research Center. [174], The flowers are used sometimes in wedding ceremonies in Cambodia. 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. In the Hainuwele myth from Maluku, a girl emerges from the blossom of a coconut tree. [13] It is consumed throughout the humid tropics, and has been introduced into the retail market as a processed sports drink. In Cambodia, the roots are used in traditional medicine as a treatment for dysentery. These allow the fruits to be more buoyant and makes it easier for them to lodge into sandy shorelines, making their shape ideal for ocean dispersal. [49][4] Indo-Atlantic type coconuts were also later spread by Arab and South Asian traders along the Indian Ocean basin, resulting in limited admixture with Pacific coconuts introduced earlier to Madagascar and the Comoros via the ancient Austronesian maritime trade network. ~It also helps to make skin softer and more supple. Coconut flesh is either eaten raw or dried to form copra, the meat of the seed and the source for coconut oil. It is a tree that is cultivated for its multiple utilities, mainly for its nutritional and medicinal values. In Belize, coconuts are grown countrywide. What are the importance of coconut and its different uses? [138] Coconut oil extracted from coconut milk or copra is also used for frying, cooking, and making margarine, among other uses.[134][139]. He also notes that several of the nuts began to germinate by the time they had been ten weeks at sea, precluding an unassisted journey of 100 days or more.[57]. Gasa suggested, for lack of paper, delivering by dugout canoe a message inscribed on a husked coconut shell, reading Nauru Isl commander / native knows posit / he can pilot / 11 alive need small boat / Kennedy.[159] This coconut was later kept on the president's desk, and is now in the John F. Kennedy Library. Request Answer. It is sweet and high in nutritional value. The coconut palm thrives on sandy soils and is highly tolerant of salinity. All rights reserved. (1995). It is produced as the endosperm nourishes the developing embryo. [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]. nuciferae. [11] Many modern different varieties are also grown, including the Maypan coconut, King coconut, and Macapuno. [citation needed], Indonesia is the world's largest producer of coconuts, with gross production of 15million tonnes. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 59 (7): 995. Coconut water can be drunk fresh or used in cooking as in binakol. The Coconut tree belongs to the palm family. [103] Other states, such as Goa, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, and those in the northeast (Tripura and Assam) account for the remaining productions. The distribution of the Pacific coconuts correspond to the regions settled by Austronesian voyagers indicating that its spread was largely the result of human introductions. Micronutrients in significant content (more than 10% of the Daily Value) include the dietary minerals, manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc (table). Trees grow up to 30 metres (100 feet) tall and can yield up to 75 fruits per year, though fewer than 30 is more typical. 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. [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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [26][27] The vast majority of Cocos-like fossils have been recovered generally from only two regions in the world: New Zealand and west-central India. They provided a portable source of both food and water, allowing Austronesians to survive long sea voyages to colonize new islands as well as establish long-range trade routes. [28] In west-central India, numerous fossils of Cocos-like fruits, leaves, and stems have been recovered from the Deccan Traps. 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. Rajamohan T. Clinical Biochemistry. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. It can be eaten as food or used as medicine. Halved, drained coconuts can also be hung up as bird feeders, and after the flesh has gone, can be filled with fat in winter to attract tits. [76], Coconut palms are normally cultivated in hot and wet tropical climates. ", "Indian state decides coconut trees are no longer trees but palms", "Medieval Sourcebook: Ibn Battuta: Travels in Asia and Africa 13251354", "Coconut Industry in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Export Development Board", "Australia has a lot of coconut palms so why don't we have a coconut industry? What are the benefits of drinking coconut water? The shell, freed from the husk, and heated on warm ashes, exudes an oily material that is used to soothe dental pains in traditional medicine of Cambodia. Hearts of palm are eaten in salads, sometimes called "millionaire's salad". In the Ilocos region of the northern Philippines, the Ilocano people fill two halved coconut shells with diket (cooked sweet rice), and place liningta nga itlog (halved boiled egg) on top of it. Philippine and Malayan dwarf coconuts diverged early into two distinct types. A sugar containing juice which is obtained by tapping unopened spadix is known as toddy. "Effects of coconut oil on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in Sprague-Dawley rats". [24], The palm produces both the female and male flowers on the same inflorescence; thus, the palm is monoecious. The inner flesh of the mature seed, as well as the coconut milk extracted from it, form a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Palm. Coconut palms yield roughly 20 percent of the market's oils and fats, Just Change Trust estimates. Improves hair health: Eating or applying coconut oil in your hair stimulates hair growth, prevents hair breakage and split ends. Samosir (eds.) It also promotes scalp health by fighting against insect bite, lice and dandruff. [21][22], Unlike some other plants, the palm tree has neither a taproot nor root hairs, but has a fibrous root system. Why Are There No Coconuts In North India? The endocarp or shell is used for fuel for making shell charcoal, activated carbon etc. [40], Carl Linnaeus first wanted to name the coconut genus Coccus from latinizing the Portuguese word coco, because he saw works of other botanists in middle of the 17th century use the name as well. It is grown in tropical and subtropical regions, with the majority of global production occurring in Asia, followed by the Pacific and the Americas. [18][19] Niu vai endocarp fragments have been recovered in archaeological sites in the St. Matthias Islands of the Bismarck Archipelago. [90], A system of bamboo bridges and ladders directly connecting the tree canopies are also utilized in the Philippines for coconut plantations that harvest coconut sap (not fruits) for coconut vinegar and palm wine production. [130], A special cultivar of coconut known as macapuno produces a large amount of jelly-like coconut meat. (2009), assigned it to Cocos based on the size and the ridged shape of the fruit. 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. [101], Coconut flour has also been developed for use in baking, to combat malnutrition. This article was most recently revised and updated by. Coconut copra, used to make coconut oil, is prepared at the coconut farms, using very simple techniques and taken to large scale oil mills through a complex and speculative marketing system. Coconut is the most versatile tree in the world and is known as "the tree of life". [166][167][168] Amphioctopus marginatus is the first invertebrate known to be able to use tools.[167][169]. [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. After the first six to nine years, the coconut palm bears fruit, producing roughly 50 fruits per tree per year, up to 300. 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. In Thailand, the coconut husk is used as a potting medium to produce healthy forest tree saplings. These includes two specimens named "Cocos" palaeonucifera and "Cocos" binoriensis, both were dated by their authors to the MaastrichtianDanian of the early Tertiary (70 to 62 million years ago). What happens when you drink coconut water for 7 days? Yet, its high in calories and saturated fat, so you should eat it in moderation. What Are the Major Regions of Manufacturing Lisa Smith has been an editor and writer since 1991. However, like most palm fossils, Cocos-like fossils are still putative, as they are usually difficult to identify. 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. "The truth behind the "widespread" practice of monkeys harvesting coconuts in Thailand impacting on consumers & retailers", "Focus: Thai coconut farmers reject monkey abuse charges, suffer lost income", "Reviving the Coconut Industry of the Philippines", "Coconut faces a looming global supply shortage, but could an Australian industry crack it? However, they can be found in humid areas with low annual precipitation such as in Karachi, Pakistan, which receives only about 250mm (9+34in) of rainfall per year, but is consistently warm and humid. Self Magazine. In the Philippines, this alcoholic drink is called lambanog (historically also called vino de coco in Spanish) or "coconut vodka". [144], Coconut sap, usually extracted from cut inflorescence stalks is sweet when fresh and can be drunk as is such as in tuba fresca of Mexico (derived from the Philippine tub). It increases bold circulation in the kidneys and cause profuse dieresis. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts. The aim is to knock a coconut off the stand and win it. The traditional coconut farming in these countries is an integral part of their life, culture and identity. [127][128][129] Desiccated coconut are used in confections and desserts such as macaroons. 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). However they are mainly present as decoration, and the Australian coconut industry is small; Australia is a net importer of coconut products. [52][53] Other evidence for a Central Indo-Pacific origin is the native range of the coconut crab; and the higher amounts of C. nucifera-specific insect pests in the region (90%) in comparison to the Americas (20%), and Africa (4%). Neera is fast becoming a popular drink. It also plays a central role in the Coconut Religion of Vietnam. The discovery of this behavior was observed in Bali and North Sulawesi in Indonesia between 1998 and 2008. Rich in fiber and MCTs, it may offer a number of benefits, including improved heart health, weight loss, and digestion. [145] They can also be processed to extract palm sugar. [177], Some South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Ocean cultures have origin myths in which the coconut plays the main role. Most less-developed countries depend on agriculture as a major source of income and employment. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Omissions? The process of husk extraction from the coir bypasses the retting process, using a custom-built coconut husk extractor designed by ASEANCanada Forest Tree Seed Centre in 1986. [178] In Maldivian folklore, one of the main myths of origin reflects the dependence of the Maldivians on the coconut tree. [21][22], Whole mature coconuts (11 to 13 months from flowering) sold for export, however, typically have the husk removed to reduce weight and volume for transport. Aids in hydration. Over the course of evolutionary time-scales the shifting atolls would have shortened the paths of colonization, meaning that any one coconut would not have to travel very far to find new land. in semiotics from Brown University and completed coursework for an M.A. 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]. 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. It is the dominant form in the Indo-Atlantic coconuts. Coconut fruits float readily and have been dispersed widely by ocean currents and by humans throughout the tropics. Due to growing sedentary lifestyles and heavy-handed landscaping, a decline in these traditional farming and soil-fixing techniques has occurred. The liquid of the nut, known as coconut water, is used in beverages. The UAE has, however, imposed strict laws on mature coconut tree imports from other countries to reduce the spread of pests to other native palm trees, as the mixing of date and coconut trees poses a risk of cross-species palm pests, such as rhinoceros beetles and red palm weevils. Chan, Edward and Craig R. Elevitch. 50 % of existing coconut palms have passed their economic bearing age (60 years) and are due for replanting, around 900 million coconut seedlings are required at a value of USD$ 2.7 Billion to secure a sustainable future for the global coconut estate. She earned her B.A. The "branches" (leaf petioles) are strong and flexible enough to make a switch. Coconut palms yield roughly 20 percent of the market's oils and fats, Just Change Trust estimates. In fact, the toning property of coconut helps in preventing acne by minimizing the pores of the skin, leaving it glowing. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Economic And Social Department: The Statistical Division. [20], The evolutionary history and fossil distribution of Cocos nucifera and other members of the tribe Cocoseae is more ambiguous than modern-day dispersal and distribution, with its ultimate origin and pre-human dispersal still unclear. The husks of the coconut are a source of coir, a fiber used in the production of brushes, matting, and other products. Coconut milk contains 5% to 20% fat, while coconut cream contains around 20% to 50% fat. The conditions required for coconut trees to grow without any care are: The main limiting factor for most locations which satisfy the rainfall and temperature requirements is canopy growth, except those locations near coastlines, where the sandy soil and salt spray limit the growth of most other trees. Mature coconuts are ovoid or ellipsoid in shape, 3045 cm (1218 inches) in length and 1520 cm (68 inches) in diameter. Phylogenetic evidence supports the closest relatives of Cocos being either Syagrus or Attalea, both of which are found in South America. Nata de coco, also called coconut gel, is another jelly-like coconut product made from fermented coconut water. As of 2006, the U.S. annually imported 190 million pounds of coconut oil, whose worldwide trade reached $20 million. [72] Yellowing diseases affect plantations in Africa, India, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Pacific Region. It is an important commercial product obtained from the husk of coconut. Several countries' economies are based on the coconut palm. Theyre mostly green until they fully mature. Mature Malakatad coconut meat has a tough texture and thus are processed before consumption or made into copra. While there is a concentration of coconut plantations in the coastal regions of the country, it is also grown in the hinterlands where the agro-climatic requirements of coconut cultivation are met. Its fruits are similar to the coconut, but smaller. It is used for cooking various dishes. Indo-Atlantic coconuts, in contrast, all have the ancestral traits of tall habits and elongated triangular fruits. Coconut is a plant-based source of saturated fat. Because of their soft textures, they are unsuitable for grating. The fruit, meat, water, and milk of the coconut are all widely consumed as part of the diet in many parts of the world. 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. Such an origin indicates that the coconuts were not introduced naturally, such as by sea currents. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports the top producers are the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, and India. He consulted the catalogue Herbarium Amboinense by Georg Eberhard Rumphius where Rumphius said that coccus was a homonym of coccum and coccus from Greek kokkos meaning "grain"[41] or "berry", but Romans identified coccus with "kermes insects"; Rumphius preferred the word cocus as a replacement. Bourke, R. Michael and Tracy Harwood (Eds.). There are currently two major viewpoints on the origins of the genus Cocos, one in the Indo-Pacific, and another in South America. . The young coconut plants need to be nursed and irrigated with drip pipes until they are old enough (stem bulb development) to be irrigated with brackish water or seawater alone, after which they can be replanted on the beaches. Coconut oil is a "functional food" that is popular in traditional medicine in Asia and used worldwide to treat a wide variety of health problems from abscesses to upset stomachs. Saturated fats can easily filter and re-circulate molecules to facilitate absorption by liver. Virgin coconut oil is predicted to experience high demand from consumers with higher health consciousness and as well as aging population. It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. The coconut tree is the official state tree of Kerala, India. Coconut cultivation spans about 402 649 ha which accounts for 21 per cent of agricultural lands in the country. These are grown for recreational purposes or as an income generator. Coconuts take 12 months to fully mature and ripen. What is the economic importance of coconut? Coconut flesh is either eaten raw or dried to form copra, the meat of the seed and the source for coconut oil. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The milk or cream obtained by squeezing the granted kernel diluteded in water is sued in many preparations. [57] If they were naturally distributed and had been in the Pacific for a thousand years or so, then we would expect the eastern shore of Australia, with its own islands sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef, to have been thick with coconut palms: the currents were directly into, and down along this coast. Coconuts probably originated somewhere in Indo-Malaya and are one of the most important crops of the tropics.