Nature The Coconut: One Of The Most Useful Nuts on Earth

  

There is a "nut" that has traveled around the globe. This nut provide both food and drink, shelter and clothing even transportation. it is indeed and extraordinary nut. this unique silhouette of the tree that bears this nut is the hallmark of most tropical islands. But, which nut are we talking about that is attracting all these praises? it is "The Coconut"- one of the most useful nuts on earth.

For people who are not from the tropical area, the coconut palm may be little more than a symbol of a tropical holiday. But for persons who live in the tropics, the tree has much more to offer. The Indonesians claim that its fruit has "as many uses as there are days in a year". In the Philippines it is said: "He who plants a coconut tree plants Vessels and clothing, food and drink, a habitation for himself, and a heritage for his children."

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One might wonder if these sayings are just exaggeration if that is your thinking too, just wait till you learn of the uses of this nut and your view might just change. According to the book Coconut-tree of life, the coconut palm "supplies not only food, water and oil for cooking, but also leaves for thatch roofs, fiber for ropes and mats, shells that can be used as utensils and ornaments, and sweet sap of the inflorescence from which sugar and alcohol are made. The book also adds: "Even the wood, if cut in the right way, can be used." Infact, the people who live in the maldive islands in the Indian ocean constructed boats out of coconut products, and it is said that they sailed them to Arabia and the Philippines. But the coconut, rather than its cultivators, has proved to be the greatest seafarer of all.

The Coconut as a Food: The Coconut can also be use as an ingredient in the preparation of some very good delicacies. In Nigeria for example, They have a type of rice popularly known as " The coconut rice". This just add to the fact that the coconut really deserves all the praises that is been heaped on it.

The coconut as a Drink: Some well known drinks uses coconut as very important part of its ingredient take the drink "Calypso" as an example.

The coconut as Clothe: The palm fronts from the coconut tree can be twisted and masterfully put together to form a colorful clothe.

The coconut as Boat: The palm tree itself, if skillfully carved can be used as a boat.


Curiosities about The Coconut

Coconut Crab: Humans are not the only ones who appreciate the bounty of the coconut. The coconut crab lives in a hole in the ground during the day, but it feasts on coconuts at night. Although humans need a machete to split open a coconut, this resourceful crab goes through quite some work to split a coconut by pounding it against a rock until it cracks open. A diet that includes coconuts seems to suit this creature-it can live for over 30 years.

Coconut In Cosmetics: Since coconut oil is ideal for the skin, manufacturers use it in lipstick and suntan lotion. And if you use biodegradable soap or shampoo that makes plenty of lather, coconut oil may well be one its essential ingredients.

So when ever you see a coconut try appreciating it because it has lots to offer, it can be said that it is the most useful nuts on Earth.

What do you think about the coconut? leave your comments below