coconut fruit

 coconut fruit




A Gift of Nature

Coconut is a tropical fruit that is highly nutritious and versatile. Its history is rich and full of curiosities. In this

documentation, we will talk about the characteristics, nutrients, benefits and recipes with coconut, as well as its

cultural role.


History of the Coconut Fruit


How did the coconut fruit arrive on

Brazil

Discover the history and curiosities behind the coconut, an exotic and tasty fruit that has conquered the palate

of Brazilians.


Origins in Asia

The coconut fruit originates from Asia, more specifically from the Philippines and Malaysia.

Origin


  The coconut is believed to have originated in the islands of Southeast Asia and Malaysia.

The fruit was cultivated by native peoples and later spread to India and Africa before reaching the

western South America.


Business


The history of the coconut trade is

marked by maritime adventures

and geographic discoveries. You

first merchants took it

to different parts of the world,

spreading its uses and applications.


Culture and Tradition


Coconut is an important fruit in

culture of many societies. It is a

symbol of hospitality and is

used in cooking, medicine

alternative and religious ceremonies.


dissemination route


merchants

indians

In the 16th century, Indians

started to trade coconuts

with Africa and the Middle East.


Browsers

europeans

In the 18th century, navigators

Europeans took the fruit to

Europe, where it became popular in

desserts, cakes and drinks.


Colonizers

Portuguese

The Portuguese colonizers

took the coconut to Brazil in the

16th century, during the period

colonial.


Possible reasons for arriving in Brazil


The coconut was brought by the Portuguese as food for their ships and crew during their voyages.

transatlantic.

Over the years, coconut cultivation has spread throughout northeastern Brazil due to the favorable climate.


Brazilian regions where the fruit is more

consumed


1 Northeast

The Northeast is the region most

known for the green coconut,

consumed in water

coconut or in typical dishes

like coconut cake and

Cocada.


2 Southeast

In the southeast, coconut is more

commonly used in

sweet dishes such as cakes and

desserts.


3 south

In the southern region, coconut is

rarer and is found

mostly in stores

natural products and

vegetarian recipes


Characteristics of the Coconut Fruit

The coconut fruit is a natural treasure, with a fleshy white interior, tasty and rich in nutrients. It is covered with a hard and fibrous shell, and inside it has sweet and refreshing water.


The coconut is a drupe - a type of stone fruit

It is one of the most important tropical fruits

It can weigh from 1 to 2.5 kg

It can be green, yellow or brown.

It has many uses in the kitchen, cooking and even cosmetics.


Nutrients in Coconut

Coconut is a tropical fruit that is very popular all over the world. It is actually a drupe, but is commonly thought of as a fruit. In addition to being delicious, coconut is extremely nutritious and offers a variety of health benefits.


Coconut is approximately 65% water, 30% fat and 5% carbohydrates, protein and fiber.


calories

100 grams of coconut provides approximately 354 calories.


Nutritional value

In addition, 100g of coconut provides:


Carbs: 15 grams

Protein: 3 grams

Fat: 33 grams

healthy fats

Coconut contains healthy fats such as lauric acid, which is a type of fatty acid that can increase good cholesterol in the blood and improve heart health.


vitamins and minerals

Coconut is rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, which is important for cell function and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.


fibers

Coconut is a great source of fiber, which helps keep your intestinal tract healthy and helps maintain proper blood sugar levels.


Maintains body hydration

Coconut water is rich in electrolytes that help hydrate the body. One cup of coconut water contains 5.45 grams of carbohydrates, 252 mg of sodium, 600 mg of potassium and 60 mg of magnesium.


Cardiovascular Health

Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, but a different form of saturated fat that has positive effects on cardiovascular health.


fibers

Coconut is rich in fiber that helps digestion and prevents constipation. One cup of coconut contains 7.2g of fiber.


How do they benefit the body?

Fights viruses and bacteria

The lauric acid present in coconut has antiviral and antibacterial properties, which can help fight infections and strengthen the immune system.


improves digestion

The fibers present in coconut help to keep the intestinal tract healthy, reducing the risk of intestinal diseases and improving digestion.


Regulates blood sugar

Coconut helps regulate blood sugar levels and is a great option for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes.


As we can see, coconut is an extremely nutritious and beneficial fruit for the body. In addition, he is a delicious and versatile option to add to our diet. Include coconut in your diet and enjoy all the benefits.


ios that it can offer!





Forms of consumption in the country


1Coconut water is a drink

refreshing and healthy, rich in

nutrients and minerals.


2 Coconut milk is used in

dessert recipes, drinks

tropical and even in dishes

savory, like the famous bobó

of shrimp. being a great substitute for animal milk.


3 Dried coconut which is used to make the famous Brazilian dessert, cocada made with shredded coconut

and sugar.


4 Grated coconut is often used to make cakes, roll sweets and bread


5 Coconut oil is widely used for frying, cakes, desserts and to moisturize skin and hair.


6 Coconut butter, used to make cakes and eat with toast


7 Coconut sugar, used to make cakes and replace refined sugar


8 Coconut juice and pulp, used to make desserts, juices, frappes


health benefits




Blood Pressure Regulation

The high potassium content in coconut helps regulate blood pressure. He is also rich in lauric acid and polyphenols, components that reduce the risk of heart disease.


Improves the Immune system

Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid that help prevent infections, reducing the risk of illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia.


Glycemia Reduction

Coconut helps regulate blood glucose, which is essential for those suffering from diabetes. It helps in preventing blood sugar spikes and in more severe cases.


Hydration


Coconut water helps keep the body hydrated,

being an excellent natural isotonic.


bowel regulation


The fibers present in coconut help to keep the intestinal tract healthy, reducing the risk of intestinal diseases and improving digestion.


helps slimming


Coconut is a low-calorie fruit rich in

nutrients, being a great option for those

looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.


Skin and hair health


Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer.

for hair and skin, also benefiting the

health of bones and teeth.


Fights viruses and bacteria

The lauric acid present in coconut has antiviral and antibacterial properties, which can help fight infections and strengthen the immune system.


Facts about the Coconut Fruit


Coconut is such a useful fruit that it is known as "the tree of life"

Coconut oil is edible, has an excellent taste, aroma and is not harmful to the heart.

The husk of the coconut is used to make activated charcoal, a medicinal and cosmetic ingredient.

Brazil is one of the largest coconut producers in the world

Treasures such as candied fruit, canned fruit and coconut milk were only reserved for nobles and churchmen during the feudal era.

The world's largest coconut production comes from Indonesia and the Philippines.

The coconut is a symbol of fertility and prosperity in many cultures.

  Coconut fibers were once used to make ropes and fabrics.

Cocada

A Brazilian sweet, made with grated coconut, condensed milk, sugar and butter.


coconut milkshake

Perfect for hot days, this milkshake is easy to make, with milk, coconut, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.


          Shrimp with Coconut Milk

           A delicious dish, made with fresh shrimp, coconut milk and spices.


Tips on how to plant and the right climate


The coconut is a tropical fruit that requires a warm, humid climate to grow. In this section, learn about the best growing conditions and care needed to ensure your coconut seedlings grow healthy and productive.


Ideal climate for coconut planting

The ideal climate for planting coconuts is the tropical region, with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Humidity is another vital factor for successful cultivation, with levels above 80%. Soil should be nutrient-rich and well-draining to avoid problems with fungus or disease.


soil preparation

Before planting coconut seedlings, it is important to prepare the soil correctly. Remove all weeds and debris. Then add a good amount of organic compost to improve soil fertility.


selection of seedlings

cakis

Cakis is one of the most popular varieties in Brazil, with brown skin and white pulp. It is an excellent choice for those looking for high productivity and quality fruit.


green dwarf

The Green Dwarf is a dwarf variety, ideal for small spaces. It has a green rind and white pulp.


Green Dwarf

Anão Verde is another dwarf variety, with a green skin and a white and aromatic pulp. It is a great choice for areas with strong winds as it has more robust branches.


Spacing and planting


Distance between plants

8 to 9 meters


Distance between rows

8 to 10 meters


The seedlings must be planted in holes about 50 cm deep and 60 cm wide, with humus and manure. The hole must be well filled and compacted around the seedling, and then watered.


Irrigation care

Irrigation is essential for the development of coconut seedlings. The soil must be constantly moistened, but not excessively. The frequency of irrigation depends on the climate and humidity.


Avoid soaking

Coconuts do not tolerate very wet soils, always check the soil drainage.


Reduce watering in winter

During the colder seasons, reduce the amount of water to avoid illness.


Fertilization and pest control

To ensure high quality production, it is necessary to regularly fertilize with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Pest control is another concern, especially during the first few years of the plant's life.


Fertilizing

Fertilize the plant once a month with an organic fertilizer.


Pest control

Use pesticides and fungicides in case of infestations.


take care of your plant

Check the leaves and roots regularly and take immediate action in case of problems.


post-planting care

After planting, it is important to take additional care to ensure successful cultivation. Regular pruning and tying leaves to prevent damage during high winds are some of the main actions.


Bibliographic references 


CARVALHO, J. E. U.; CARDOSO, L. M.; FONSECA, T. C. O. Química dos Alimentos: Teoria e Prática. 1. ed. São Paulo: Roca, 2010.

FRANCO, C. D. Q.; MORAIS, M. B. Pesquisa de Alimentos: Métodos Físico-Químicos. 2. ed. Porto Alegre: Bookman, 2019.

 

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