Coconuts are exotic and edible fruits that grow on coconut trees. The coconut tree, a type of palm tree with a single straight trunk, has been used for a variety of purposes since prehistoric times. Every part, including the fruits, wood, and leaves, serves a purpose. As a result, the trees are widely cultivated in many parts of South India for both commercial and domestic purposes.
Top 10 Ways to Use a Coconut Tree
-
Flesh: Milk, Food & Flour
-
Flowers: Medicine
-
Husks: Ropes
-
Sticks: Brooms
-
Wood: Fires in Traditional Kitchens
-
Leaves: Thatching
-
Shells: To Steam Food & Craft
-
Water: A Healthy & Refreshing Drink
-
Oil: For Cooking, Hair & Skin
-
Husks: Natural Scrubber & Craft Material
Flesh of a Coconut: Milk, Food & Flour
Most people think of this as the first application. The fruit of a coconut tree can be eaten, and this is the plant's most common use. Coconuts are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Before eating a coconut, the white flesh of the fruit must be separated from the hard outer shell. To do so, grate the fruit with a coconut scraper or separate the flesh with a coconut meat removal knife after opening the shell. You can easily add freshly grated coconuts to your recipes or store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
Coconut milk is also widely used. It's popular in many Asian cuisines, particularly in South India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It is commonly used to thicken soups and stews, and it can also be used as a milk substitute if you are allergic to milk. To make coconut milk, either squeeze grated coconuts in water with your hands (for a milder version) or blend them with a little water in a blender (this produces a thicker version).
Coconut milk is also an excellent hair conditioner. After a few minutes, apply the coconut milk to your hair and scalp and rinse. This makes your hair soft and shiny, and it improves hair health by reducing hair fall. Coconut milk is also an excellent substitute for water in homemade face masks.
The fruits can also be processed into coconut flour, which is now widely available in supermarkets. The flour is frequently used as a gluten-free alternative.
The Coconut Flowers: Medicine
Coconut flowers have a variety of medicinal applications. They are used in many traditional remedies, particularly those for new mothers.
The Husks: Ropes
This is one of the most important applications for coconuts, at least for the many people who make a living from them. Many people in rural areas make a living by making ropes out of coconut husk, which is a profitable business. However, this is a difficult task that necessitates a lot of manual labor. People work in coir factories in large groups to make ropes and mats from coconut husks.
Stick of Coconut Tree: Brooms
coconut husk have thick sticks that can be used to make home brooms! To make the broom, simply connect the sticks and tie them together with thread. Coconut brooms are made for both domestic and commercial use.
Coconut Tree Woods: Fires in Traditional Kitchens
In traditional kitchens, fires are made from coconut husks, shells, leaves, leaf stems, and flower stems. Finding wood for a fire is a simple and inexpensive task in areas with a lot of coconut trees.
Uses of Coconut Tree Leaves: Thatching
The leaves of coconut palms are enormous and aesthetically pleasing. I adore how they appear, and they make excellent photographic subjects. People have used these leaves to make fences and roofs for their small huts, and they are still used for thatching in many places. They are inexpensive and provide shelter for many people who cannot afford other materials.
They are sometimes used not only to make roofs, but also to make house walls. Making houses out of palm leaves may not be the best option because they cannot withstand extreme weather conditions and pose safety risks, but in many places, people still rely on this tree to provide shelter.
And coconut leaves aren't just good for humans. Did you know that coconut leaves are one of elephants' favorite foods?
Shells of Coconut Tree: To Steam Food & Craft
The fruit's hard shell is also useful. It has traditionally been used in households to steam food. Shells are also popular as a craft material. Coconut shells are used to make a variety of beautiful craft items.
The shells can be easily colored and carved into beautiful art pieces. They are also used for play by children.
Delicious Water of Coconut: A Healthy & Refreshing Drink
Coconut water is not the same as coconut milk. When you break open the fruit's hard shell, you'll find a mildly sweet water inside that's known for its extreme health benefits. During the summer, this wonderful natural drink is very popular. Coconut water from young, tender coconuts is sweeter and more flavorful.
Coconut Oil: For Cooking Hair & Skin
Because of its distinct and appealing flavor, coconut oil has grown in popularity in recent years. It is even used in many recipes as a substitute for butter. Because this oil contains more saturated fat than oils like olive or canola, its impact on health is debatable. The Lauric acid in coconut oil, on the other hand, is thought to be excellent for health because it boosts immunity and can protect against a variety of illnesses.
Husks of Coconut Tree: A Natural Scrubber & Craft Material
The coconut husk has a variety of applications. They can be used to clean dinner plates, cups, other vessels, and even the floor as natural scrubbers. Coconut husks are also used as a craft material to make a variety of beautiful items. You can color it and use it as doll hair, for example.
Disclaimer: This information is true and factual to the best of author's knowledge, but it is not intended to replace formal, customized advice from a competent professional.