Feeling the heat? Then probably it’s time for you to have coconut water to refresh you! Coconuts are not only thirst quenchers, but have many uses in terms of nutritional value, fuel and shelter. The best thing about coconut trees is that they can be cultivated in most geographical regions of the world. Each and every part of a coconut tree is usable for mankind, be it coconut coir, meat, water, shell, leaves, trunk, or roots. So here we are, there are numerous uses for coconut, let’s learn more about it.
Main Uses for Coconut
Below are some of the important uses for coconut.
Coir
Coconut coir is a naturally elastic fiber which is used in the manufacturing of various products like fishing nets, mattresses, ropes, brushes, floor mats or doormats.
Shell
Beneath the coir, is the coconut shell which is hard and woody. This shell can be used as a natural fuel, when burnt, to cook food or to repel mosquitoes. The shell is also known to be used to produce flowerpots, utensils, handicrafts, flooring material, etc. In Philippines, “bunot” made from coconut shell is widely used as a house cleaning tool. “Tempurung” is a Malaysian word for “shell” which is used to make a soup bowl and a ladle.
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Meat
The coconut meat is underneath the shell. This meat may be used in factories to make coconut oil, coconut milk, nectar, copra, palm wine, candies, ice-creams, palm sugar, etc. “Addu Bondi”, a sausage shaped delicacy made from grated coconut is very famous in Maldives. The coconut shells have been traditionally used by the Chinese to make “yehu” and “bahnu”, both stringed musical instruments. This instrument is called “dan gao” in Vietnam.
In the western world coconut uses include coconut oil for health and as a natural ingredient in natural beauty cosmetics.
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Coconut Water
The coconut water has always been known to be a refreshing energy drink, and has gained popularity among athletes as well in recent times. It can also be used to prepare a jelly-like food called nata de coco, coconut wine (“tuak” in Indonesia and Malaysia), or coconut vinegar. The Filipino coconut vodka made up of coconut sap is an alcoholic beverage called “lambanog”. Many people consume fresh drink called “karewe” made up of coconut sap in Kiribati.
Coconut Leaves
Furthermore, the coconut leaves may be used to make brooms, mats, baskets, and even rooftops for temporary sheds or camping tents. The brooms made from coconut leaves are popular in the names of “sapu lidi” in Indonesia and “walis tingting” in Philippines.
Trunk
The trunk of a coconut tree, being very hard and durable, is used in the preparation of furniture, houses, drums, containers, etc.
Roots
Last but not the least, even the coconut tree roots are used as dye, mouthwash, or in the preparation of toothbrush.
No wonder, with all these benefits out of coconuts, many cultures have recognized its importance over the centuries. Not only it is good for our planet to have more coconut trees, but it also provides livelihood to many people worldwide. So the next time you just see a coconut tree, think of it as a blessing to mankind!
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Learn how the coconut tree provides all-around benefits — from its husks and roots to coconut oil — through our infographic “Plant of Life: An Infographic on Various Coconut Uses.” Use the embed code to share it on your website or visit our infographic page for the high-res version.