The name of the coconut palm in Sanskrit is Kalpa Vryksha, which means "the tree of a thousand uses." This is no joke or exaggeration, as every part of the palm has its own use, not only in food products and cosmetics, but also in clothing production and industry.
The most popular part of the palm tree is definitely coconutA juice called coconut water is extracted from it. Did you know that coconut water contains no contaminants? It has a nearly identical composition to human blood plasma and can be used interchangeably—of course, in urgent, exceptional cases, such as road accidents, where first aid must arrive as quickly as possible. It was used this way, for example, during World War II, administered to the wounded when plasma was in short supply. Today, it is used to hydrate the body and replenish essential nutrients.
The pulp from which the coconut is made is known to all lovers of Asian cuisine. coconut milk – used in Thai dishes and as an addition to drinks and desserts. Coconut cream, coconut flakes, and coconut oil are also made from the flesh. Coconut oil is a real hit in the cosmetics industry – it can be used in its pure, unrefined form for hair oiling or for very dry skin care, as well as an ingredient in creams, balms, hair conditioners, and shampoos.
The coconut palm, however, has many more culinary uses. Young leaves can be pickled or boiled and eaten. The yellow-white core of the young palm, called the heart, is eaten as a vegetable, a luxury because it requires cutting down the entire tree. Because the tree dies, dishes prepared from it are controversial. The palm stems, when cut, yield a drinkable sap—a delicious refreshing beverage or an ingredient in palm wine.
Coconut shells are suitable for fuel and are also used to produce charcoal. Dried and cleaned coconut shells are used in terrariums as rodent homes and as decorations in fish tanks.
Ropes, mats, carpets, brushes… Coconut fiber can be successfully used to produce them. It is also used for insulating rooms, waterproofing boats, and in gardening – as compost or peat. Coconut wood is used to build fences, enclosures, and building walls. A hollowed-out trunk can replace a kayak – this method of using the palm is mainly used by local people in places like the Philippines and Hawaii. The roots are used to make eco-friendly toothbrushes and mouthwash.
The coconut palm has so many uses. We certainly haven't listed them all. What surprised you the most?
We recommend a tasty use of coconut palm - here you will find the recipe delicious Pina Colada