We probably all enjoy lying on a sandy tropical beach reading a book under towering coconut palms. These mighty trees seem to make a perfect location even more sublime. We might be less aware of just how useful the coconut is, especially in the kitchen.
Firstly, it should be mentioned that the coconut palm is a not a tree but rather a ‘woody plant’. Secondly the fruit from the coconut palm is not a nut. It is technically a drupe.
The first use for coconut in the kitchen is as a basic construction material. Coconuts reach maturity in just 7 years and so can be classified as a renewable resource. The timber from coconut palms is strong. It can be compressed into strand woven coconut for added strength. It makes an ideal material for flooring that is ecologically sound and that looks and performs like hardwood flooring.
The actual coconut also has a variety of uses for cooking. Coconut oil is popular throughout the tropics. Despite being high in saturated fat it is good for you. This is because the oil is composed mostly of medium chain fatty acids that are easily converted by the body into energy. In contrast many polyunsaturated fats consist of long chain fatty acids that the body cannot break down and ends up storing as body fat.
Coconut oil and coconut milk are both rich in lauric acid. Only palm oil and mother’s milk has comparable amounts of lauric acid. It is a remarkable compound that is antimicrobial and helps to protect the body from viral attacks. Coconut oil in food is a great way for both humans and dogs to stay slim and healthy.
Coconut milk is commonly used in Thai dishes such as green curry, chicken curry as well as desserts such as sticky rice and mango. It is a great food item to have in the larder. It doesn’t go off for 6 months as coconut milk contains antioxidants that prevent it going rancid. It is also lactose free and a suitable for making shakes and smoothies. Moreover, research has shown that regularly eating coconut milk helps to prevent lipid disorders.
Another great coconut food product is coconut flour. It is gluten free and ideal for baking breads and cakes. The advantage of coconut flour is that it is relatively high in protein and fiber and yet low in carbohydrates. This makes it not only useful for those with gluten intolerance but also for those who want to lose weight.
Finally, coconut water or coconut juice as it is also called is great for those who enjoy a cocktail while cooking. It is high in electrolytes and is used by athletes to rehydrate. What better mixer for alcohol is there? It also adds a pleasant coconut flavor to drinks.
So if you feel your kitchen is lacking something then perhaps you should look into ways you can introduce coconuts into your diet. Or perhaps you would like to help the environment by buying coconut flooring for the kitchen instead of hardwood flooring.