Coconut: The Fruit of Life

The coconut is called the fruit of life because, well, it comes from the tree of life. No other fruit can replicate the amazing benefits it provided, is providing and will continue to provide humankind.

It is the fruit of the coco palm (Cocos nucifera Linn) tree. Unlike most fruit bearing plants, coco palms are always in season. They produce year round, usually a bunch of up to 12 nuts every month. A typical coco palm here in the Philippines can yield up to 150 fruits of life per year.

Perhaps before anything else, let's first show why the coco palm is aptly called, the tree of life. Every part of this magnificent large plant has value, from its very roots all the way up to those 4-6 meter leaves:

A. Mature Nut

• Meat

• Oil - cooking, cosmetics, soap, shampoo, medical uses

• Flour - baking

• Dietary fiber - heart disease and colon cancer prevention

• Food/delicacies

• Animal feeds

• Water - Vinegar, Wine

• Shell - Charcoal, Activated carbon, Trinkets, Household items, Handicrafts, Decorations

• Husk (Fiber, Pith) - Ropes, Coir mattresses, Organic fertilizer, Coir sheets for preventing soil erosion

B. Young Nut

• Water - Plant growth hormones/regulators, Kidney stone prevention

C. Inflorescence

• Food items, Alcoholic drinks

D. Spathe

• Decors, Helmets, Handbags, Handicraft, Fans

E. Leaves

• Paper pulp, Housing materials, Baskets, Trays

F. Trunk

• Lumber, Wood products

G. Roots

• Dye stuff, Twine, Ropes

Both the mature and young nuts are responsible for the numerous coconut products millions are enjoying and benefiting from all over the world.


Return from Coconut to Home Page