Coconut palm tree (Cocos nucifera) is tropical tree of palm family, which is one of the largest palm tree sorts. It can be found even on the far away coral islands, where the nuts, which are not afraid of salty water, are brought by oceanic current.
The native land of these plants is unknown, it is known only, that in tropical Asia and on Malay Archipelago they sprang up even in prehistoric times. But the fruit of this palm tree is especially remarkable. The fibrous brown environment of these nuts, guillemot, has leaded into error the Portuguese seafarers which thought that they are mugs of the monkeys, who have stuck around the palm trees. However, it is a mistake and has given the modern name to this fruit: in Portuguese "coco" means a monkey.
From the moment of occurrence of its ovary before complete maturing fruit passes about one year. Only unripe coconuts that have nut figure stone-fruits contain coconut milk - sourly-sweet juice, which at maturing stage of a nut hardens, turning into copra - high-grade protein of a dense consistence.
It is interesting, that all parts of this unique fruit have found the usage in the world: from juice of inflorescence is prepared wine, copra is eaten fresh or dried, squeezed oil is used in food and cosmetic industry, from coat of a coconut plates and dishes are made, and from rind- ropes and mates.
As an auxiliary substance the coconuts are used at nervous frustration, beriberi, urological and ear diseases.
100g contain: Fat – 61.2 g Proteins – 12.6 g Carbohydrates – 14.5 g Mineral substances – 3.1 g Vitamins – 3.4 mg Energy – 673 kcal