The original source of the coconut plant is unknown. Many believe its origins are in Malaysia, while others believe it originated from the north-west of South America. Wherever it began its life, the humble coconut, often referred to as “The Tree of Life”, has now spread worldwide with a huge global following.
The fruit of the coconut is light and water resistant allowing it to stay afloat on the surface of the water for prolonged periods’ of time. This has enabled the fruit to use passing ocean currents to travel and colonise itself far and wide. It now grows in over 70 countries, including Thailand, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Coconuts have been utilised in many forms for generations and significantly contribute to the economies of numerous countries, forming an integral part of the daily lives of millions of human beings. This versatile superfood can be used in a large variety of ways, as virtually all parts of the plant can be employed through eating, cooking, baking, cleaning, lubricating, moisturising and producing brushes, ropes and fishnets.
The fruit was discovered by Portuguese explorers who located it growing on islands in the Indian Ocean. The word coconut was derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word “Coco” meaning “grinning face”, as the explorers believed the fruit to resemble the smiling face of a monkey, due to its three dark holes. Subsequently, when Marco Polo stumbled across the fruit on his travels through India, he named it ‘Pharaoh’s nut’.
In the 19th century the coconut became common in Europe, featuring in local markets and coconut shies at fairs and side shows.
Today the coconut is renowned for its culinary and cosmetic benefits. These are delivered in numerous forms (water, milk, meat, sugar and oil), heightening its present day global importance. Not only are coconuts highly nutritious and enriched with vital vitamins and minerals, but they also contain a wealth of healing properties.
The coconut has been hailed as a “superfood” and is a popular addition in traditional and modern medicines to treat illnesses such as colds, coughs, sore throats as well as more serious complaints including, influenza, measles, typhoid and tuberculosis. It is also believed to be a strong aphrodisiac which keeps the reproductive system in check.
The oil of coconuts is particularly beneficial, as it moisturises, softens and relaxes the body, boosts the immune system, increases the body’s resistance to infections and can reduce epileptic seizures. In addition, coconut oil is an extremely useful cleaning product, as it dislodges dirt, diminishes scratches and imperfections, hydrates aged, dried-out wood and fragrances the house.