Drift models based on wind and ocean currents have shown that coconuts could not have drifted across the Pacific unaided. Palm - Importance to humans | Britannica The coconut tree provides food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials, among many other uses. Rajamohan T. Clinical Biochemistry. Encyclopaedia Brittanica online. Overall, the coconut fruit is an important economic resource that has a wide range of uses and contributes significantly to local and global economies. (2009). The liquid of the nut, known as coconut water, is used in beverages. (2009). Palm. [107] The annual rainy season known locally as khareef or monsoon makes coconut cultivation easy on the Arabian east coast. A hard shell encloses the embryo with its abundant endosperm, composed of both meat and liquid. Economic theory posits that economic welfare is the total benefit available to society provided by various economic transaction and situation (Economic Online, 2014). Coconut | Description, Uses, & Facts | Britannica It is eaten as is or used as an ingredient in various dishes. They control formation and circulation of fats in body. Economics of Coconut Oil; Just Change Trust; 2006; Bangalore, India. Several countries' economies are based on the coconut palm. The coconut populations in the island show genetic admixture between the two subpopulations indicating that Pacific coconuts were brought by the Austronesian settlers that later interbred with the local Indo-Atlantic coconuts. Coconut oil is moisturizing and has been used for centuries as a hair tonic and skin care product. Request Answer. Coconut palms are believed to be largely cross-pollinated, although most dwarf varieties are self-pollinating. According to the Just Change Trust in India, over 500 million coconut palms are cultivated in tropical regions, where coconuts are the prime source of fats and protein for more than 400 million people. Source of Raw Material for the Agro-Based Industries In the agro-based industry, fruit growing offers the raw materials for canning and preserving products, among other things fresh fruits. Samosir (eds.) It is governed by a single recessive gene (there are studies to this effect) and . Stem Aerial, erect, unbranched and columnar, having prominent scars of leaf bases. [157] The shell and husk can be burned for smoke to repel mosquitoes[156] and are used in parts of South India for this purpose. Lagos and the coconut connection - The Guardian Nigeria News The aim is to knock a coconut off the stand and win it. coconut, edible fruit of the coconut palm ( Cocos nucifera ), a tree of the palm family (Arecaceae). The coconut industry is an important pillar of Philippine agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Economic And Social Department: The Statistical Division. These provide substantial circumstantial evidence that deliberate Austronesian voyagers were involved in carrying coconuts across the Pacific Ocean and that they could not have dispersed worldwide without human agency. World Economic Importance | SpringerLink Coconuts' versatility is sometimes noted in its naming. Economic importance The palms with the greatest importance in world commerce are the coconut and the African oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ); both are prime sources of vegetable oil and fat. 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. [153], The husk and shells can be used for fuel and are a source of charcoal. These includes two specimens named "Cocos" palaeonucifera and "Cocos" binoriensis, both were dated by their authors to the MaastrichtianDanian of the early Tertiary (70 to 62 million years ago). Coconut is an important food crop produced worldwide and is a palm family member. In the Malay language, it is pokok seribu guna ("the tree of a thousand uses"). Indo-Atlantic coconuts, in contrast, all have the ancestral traits of tall habits and elongated triangular fruits. Why is coconut called the Tree of Life? According to the Just Change Trust in India, over 500 million coconut palms are cultivated in tropical regions, where coconuts are the prime source of fats and protein for more than 400 million people. [37][38] In the West it was originally called nux indica, a name used by Marco Polo in 1280 while in Sumatra. (2008). 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. The inner flesh of the mature seed, as well as the coconut milk extracted from it, form a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. How do you choose the best tender coconut. The fruit is adapted for ocean dispersal. The coconut fruit is an important economic commodity for many countries around the world. In addition to its economic value as a source of food and materials, the coconut is also an important source of income for many small-scale farmers and communities. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is the sole species of the genus Cocos belonging to the subfamily Cocoideae which includes 27 genera and 600 species.It is a diploid with 32 chromosomes (2n=32), guma', Therefore, as well as dwarf cultivars, Slightly nutty odor, tender coconut, coconut oil and processed . Coconut Tree is commonly found in coastal areas. 3. The coconut palm However, they can be eaten anytime after seven months 1, 2. [180], According to urban legend, more deaths are caused by falling coconuts than by sharks annually. Lately, civil wars and crop failures have driven up the EU Rotterdam coconut oil price, which has doubled during 2010-2011, nearing $2,000 per tonne, according to the UK Grocer. [49][18][61], The niu kafa form is the wild ancestral type, with thick husks to protect the seed, an angular, highly ridged shape to promote buoyancy during ocean dispersal, and a pointed base that allowed fruits to dig into the sand, preventing them from being washed away during germination on a new island. Plants are intolerant of cold weather and prefer copious precipitation, as well as full sunlight. [4], The niu vai form is the domesticated form dominant in the Pacific coconuts. Coconut oil and milk are ingredients in cooking, frying, soaps and cosmetics, and foods like margarine and popcorn. What are the health benefits of coconut water? Its fruits are similar to the coconut, but smaller. What is the economic importance of coconut? Desiccated or shredded coconut is very popular in breakfast cereals and cookies as well. [32], Further complicating measures to determine the evolutionary history of Cocos is the genetic diversity present within C. nucifera as well as its relatedness to other palms. Scientific studies have found it effective for treating enlarged prostate and improving serum cholesterol. For the ProRodeo Hall of Fame bucking horse, see, Geographical distributions of Indo-Atlantic and Pacific coconut subpopulations and their genetic composition (Gunn, Inferred historical introduction of coconuts from the original centers of diversity in the, "Grated coconut" redirects here. [citation needed], The two most common harvesting methods are the climbing method and the pole method. The production of coconuts plays an important role in the economy, with 25% of cultivated land (around 3.56 million hectares) used for coconut plantations and approximately 25 to 33% of the population reliant on coconuts for their livelihood. [138] Coconut oil extracted from coconut milk or copra is also used for frying, cooking, and making margarine, among other uses.[134][139]. Several countries' economies are based on the coconut palm. [147][148], Coconut vinegar, made from fermented coconut water or sap, is used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine (notably the Philippines, where it is known as sukang tuba), as well as in some cuisines of India and Sri Lanka, especially Goan cuisine. The conditions required for coconut trees to grow without any care are: The main limiting factor for most locations which satisfy the rainfall and temperature requirements is canopy growth, except those locations near coastlines, where the sandy soil and salt spray limit the growth of most other trees. [163], The roots are used as a dye, a mouthwash, and a folk medicine for diarrhea and dysentery. In Sanskrit, it is kalpa vriksha ("the tree which provides all the necessities of life"). This accompanies the palagip (prayer to the dead). [65][64] The fact that all dwarf coconuts share three genetic markers out of thirteen (which are only present in low frequencies in tall cultivars) makes it likely that they all originate from a single domesticated population. Coconut Research Center. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Economic And Social Department: The Statistical Division. Copyright 2023 Cocoanesia. Coconut trees also are increasingly grown for decorative purposes along the coasts of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia with the help of irrigation. [67] This figure has been questioned based on the extremely small sample size that forms the basis of the paper that makes this claim. Coconuts can only be grown in temperatures above 18C (64F) and need a daily temperature above 22C (72F) to produce fruit. Long-term consumption of coconut oil may have negative health effects similar to those from consuming other sources of saturated fats, including butter, beef fat, and palm oil. Dried coconut is also used as the filling for many chocolate bars. Theyre mostly green until they fully mature. Coconut is a crop of small and marginal farmers since 98% of about five million coconut holdings in the country are less than two hectares. Coconut flesh is high in fat and can be dried or eaten fresh or processed into coconut milk orcoconut oil. While there is a concentration of coconut plantations in the coastal regions of the country, it is also grown in the hinterlands where the agro-climatic requirements of coconut cultivation are met. It can be used in liquid form as would other vegetable oils, or in solid form similar to butter or lard. "Effects of coconut oil on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in Sprague-Dawley rats". Because the nuts can fall from a height of 30 yards, in Southern Asia and Australia, monkeys (e.g., Malaya macaques) are trained to harvest them. Aids in hydration. Adkins S.W., M. Foale and Y.M.S. Coconut Oil May Help Treat Acne Because coconut oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in the body, it may also aid in the treatment of acne. The coconut tree provides food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials, among many other uses.The inner flesh of the mature seed, as well as the coconut milk extracted from it, form a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. They can be sorted mainly into tall cultivars, dwarf cultivars, and hybrid cultivars (hybrids between talls and dwarfs). Mathur, P.N. It also promotes scalp health by fighting against insect bite, lice and dandruff. in history at New Mexico State University. [7][8][9] Given proper care and growing conditions, coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten years, taking 15 to 20 years to reach peak production. [154] Activated carbon manufactured from coconut shell is considered extremely effective for the removal of impurities. Three countries were chosen from the nine as focus countries for implementation: Guyana, Jamaica and Dominican Republic. As of 2006, the U.S. annually imported 190 million pounds of coconut oil, whose worldwide trade reached $20 million. Fresh husks contain more tannin than old husks. Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images. One recently selected cultivar, the 'Maypan', has been bred for resistance to this disease. [62] The two groups are genetically distinct, with the dwarf variety showing a greater degree of artificial selection for ornamental traits and for early germination and fruiting. [178] In Maldivian folklore, one of the main myths of origin reflects the dependence of the Maldivians on the coconut tree. In some coconut growing countries, the coconut is the main or only source of foreign exchange earnings. Rigby (1995) assigned them to modern Cocos nucifera based on its size. Coconut oil is moisturizing and has been used for centuries as a hair tonic and skin care product. Apart from the importance of copra and coconut oil which is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, hair oil, cosmetics and other value-added & industrial products, its husk is a source offibrewhich supports a sizable coir industry. It can be reduced further to yield coconut sugar also referred to as palm sugar or jaggery. But this is uncommon. World Coconut Economy: Sectoral Issues, Markets and Trade How useful is a coconut tree Write 5 sentences? [61][63] The tall variety is outcrossing while dwarf palms are self-pollinating, which has led to a much greater degree of genetic diversity within the tall group. In 2020, world production of coconuts was 62 million tonnes, led by Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, with 75% combined of the total (table). [76], Coconut palms are normally cultivated in hot and wet tropical climates. Nutrition Facts: Vegetable Oil, Coconut. [49][50], Genetic studies of coconuts have also confirmed pre-Columbian populations of coconuts in Panama in South America. All the parts-of the Wonder palm are useful to making in one way or other. The export of spices generates foreign exchange earnings of Rs. The coconut sector in the past has been dominated by products, copra and coconut oil, and the international coconut trade used to be driven by the demand for . Encyclopaedia Brittanica online. Climbing is the most widespread, but it is also more dangerous and requires skilled workers. Coconuts sold domestically in coconut-producing countries are typically not de-husked. Elzebroek, A.T.G. [97], The Philippines is the world's second-largest producer of coconuts. Mature Malakatad coconut meat has a tough texture and thus are processed before consumption or made into copra. Rajamohan T. Clinical Biochemistry. 1) Coconut Water: It is liquid endosperm. Economic Role Coconut palms yield roughly 20 percent of the market's oils and fats, Just Change Trust estimates. [43], The specific name nucifera is derived from the Latin words nux (nut) and fera (bearing), for 'nut-bearing'. Frison, E.A. Harvesting and Yield in Lucerne Cultivation, Important Problems of Coconut Cultivation, Farming Systems & Sustainable Agriculture, Breeding of Field and Horticultural Crops agriculture information, Fundamentals to Entomology agriculture information, Production Techniques for Biological Control Agents, Practicals on Technology of Milk & Milk Products agriculture information, Economics of Natural Resources & Farm Management agriculture information. Historical Developments in Biological Control Recent Advances. Other aspects such as seed size, shape and weight, and copra thickness are also important factors in the selection of new cultivars. The husks of the coconut are a source of coir, a fiber used in the production of brushes, matting, and other products. [45], Modern genetic studies have identified the center of origin of coconuts as being the Central Indo-Pacific, the region between western Southeast Asia and Melanesia, where it shows greatest genetic diversity. Coconut oil is one of nine internationally traded vegetable oils and ranks eighth in global production. Hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women, and it is the most common cause of hair loss in women. Coconut is a plant-based source of saturated fat. It can be eaten as food or used as medicine. For for the bucking horse, see. The fats in the coconut minimize the pores that attract dirt and bacteria and prevent skin from getting damaged. The Coconut Research Center describes the nut as rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals with oil comprising mainly medium-chain fatty acids. Riung Wangi III No.53, Bandung, West Java. [98][99][100], Two important coconut products were first developed in the Philippines, macapuno and nata de coco. It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. Coconuts are high in fiber, which helps bulk up your stool and supports bowel regularity, keeping your digestive system healthy ( 6 , 17 ). Additionally, a genetically distinct subpopulation of coconut on the Pacific coast of Latin America has undergone a genetic bottleneck resulting from a founder effect; however, its ancestral population is the Pacific coconut from the Philippines. Bangalore, Karnataka 560025, Monday to Friday 9:30 AM 5:30 PM The coconut was a critical food item for the people of Polynesia, and the Polynesians brought it with them as they spread to new islands.[170]. What Coconut Symbolizes? - Sweetish Hill Her articles have appeared in "Newton Magazine" and she has contributed to myriad popular books, including "Masters of Deception" and "Click: The Ultimate Photography Guide for Generation Now." More recently, genomic analysis of cultivated coconut (C.nucifera L.) has shed light on the movement. [175], The coconut is also used as a target and prize in the traditional British fairground game coconut shy. Besides the edible kernels and the drink obtained from green nuts, the harvested coconut also yields copra, the dried extracted kernel, or meat, from which coconut oil, a major vegetable oil, is expressed. The husks of the coconut are a source of coir, a fiber used in the production of brushes, matting, and other products. The player buys some small balls which are then thrown as hard as possible at coconuts balanced on sticks. Hearts of palm are eaten in salads, sometimes called "millionaire's salad". [96] A sprouting coconut seed is the logo for Gerakan Pramuka Indonesia, the Indonesian scouting organization. The coconut industry also generates employment and supports local businesses, contributing to the overall economic development of these communities. Neera has a low glycemic count at 35 compared to cane sugar or sugarcane juice that has a glycemic count of 80. . Home Fruits What Is The Importance Of Coconut? [39] Thenga, its Tamil/Malayalam name, was used in the detailed description of coconut found in Itinerario by Ludovico di Varthema published in 1510 and also in the later Hortus Indicus Malabaricus. It is known as a bunot in the Philippines and simply a "coconut brush" in Jamaica. [104], In Goa, the coconut tree has been reclassified by the government as a palm (rather than a tree), enabling farmers and developers to clear land with fewer restrictions and without needing permission from the forest department before cutting a coconut tree.[105][106]. [114], The coconut palm is grown throughout the tropics for decoration, as well as for its many culinary and nonculinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm can be used by humans in some manner and has significant economic value. [71] They have been found in the Caribbean and the Atlantic coasts of Africa and South America for less than 500 years (the Caribbean native inhabitants do not have a dialect term for them, but use the Portuguese name), but evidence of their presence on the Pacific coast of South America antedates Columbus's arrival in the Americas. The distribution of the Pacific coconuts correspond to the regions settled by Austronesian voyagers indicating that its spread was largely the result of human introductions. [18][19][20] As of 2006, the U.S. annually imported 190 million pounds of coconut oil, whose worldwide trade reached $20 million. Coconut accounted for nearly 117 billion Indian rupees in the Indian economy in fiscal year 2020. Man cannot subsist solely on cereal grains. Malakatad (literally "leather-like") refers to fully mature coconut meat (around 8 to 9 months old) with an opaque white appearance, a tough rubbery to leathery texture, and is difficult to separate from the shell. de Lourdes Arruzazabala, M.; Molina, V.; Ms, R.; Carbajal, D.; Marrero, D.; Gonzlez, V.; Rodrguez, E. (2007). Nor were there coconuts on the east side of the African coast until Vasco da Gama, nor in the Caribbean when first visited by Christopher Columbus. [52][53] Other evidence for a Central Indo-Pacific origin is the native range of the coconut crab; and the higher amounts of C. nucifera-specific insect pests in the region (90%) in comparison to the Americas (20%), and Africa (4%). Gasa suggested, for lack of paper, delivering by dugout canoe a message inscribed on a husked coconut shell, reading Nauru Isl commander / native knows posit / he can pilot / 11 alive need small boat / Kennedy.[159] This coconut was later kept on the president's desk, and is now in the John F. Kennedy Library. De-husked coconuts are also easier for consumers to open, but have a shorter postharvest storage life of around two to three weeks at temperatures of 12 to 15C (54 to 59F) or up to 2 months at 0 to 1.5C (32.0 to 34.7F). Most less-developed countries depend on agriculture as a major source of income and employment. Omissions? For other uses, see, "Grated coconut" redirects here. Both the exocarp and the mesocarp make up the "husk" of the coconut, while the endocarp makes up the hard coconut "shell". The coconut palm thrives on sandy soils and is highly tolerant of salinity. WHY COCONUT IS SO IMPORTANT - Cocoanesia Importance of Coconut: The coconut palm is one of the most beautiful and useful trees in the world, grown in more than 80 countries of the tropical. Coconut water is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when consumed as a drink. The shells of the coconut can also be used to create charcoal, which has a variety of industrial and domestic uses. These have much lower fat content and are suitable as milk substitutes. [101], Coconut flour has also been developed for use in baking, to combat malnutrition. [66] However, it can also be argued that the placement of the vulnerable eye of the nut (down when floating), and the site of the coir cushion are better positioned to ensure that the water-filled nut does not fracture when dropping on rocky ground, rather than for flotation. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Perera, Champa K. Bandaranayake and Hugh C. Harries. Coconut production plays an important role in the national economy of the Philippines. The coconut palm is an important crop in many tropical countries, providing food products and raw materials for industries (Jones, 1991). The earliest Cocos-like fossil to be found was "Cocos"zeylanica, a fossil species described from small fruits, around 3.5cm (1+12in) 1.3 to 2.5cm (12 to 1in) in size, recovered from the Miocene (~23 to 5.3 million years ago) of New Zealand in 1926. As an abrasive,[156] a dried half coconut shell with husk can be used to buff floors. Due to the performance of coconut in the economy as the major source of income, it is considered as a predictor of the general economic activity of the country. [3][4] It has also acquired religious significance in South Asian cultures, where it is used in Hindu rituals. Only a few of the roots penetrate deep into the soil for stability. What Are the Major Regions of Manufacturing Lisa Smith has been an editor and writer since 1991. [118][119], Maturity is difficult to assess on an unopened coconut, and there is no technically proven method for determining maturity. Nata de coco, also called coconut gel, is another jelly-like coconut product made from fermented coconut water. [4], Coconuts can also be broadly divided into two general types based on habit: the "Tall" (var. What happens to your body if you drink coconut water everyday? [27] Coconut - Wikipedia However their original distribution was in the Central Indo-Pacific, in the regions of Maritime Southeast Asia and Melanesia. They usually remain genetically isolated when introduced to new regions, making it possible to trace their origins. (1995). Halved, drained coconuts can also be hung up as bird feeders, and after the flesh has gone, can be filled with fat in winter to attract tits. Tannin produces negative effects on sapling growth. Grated coconut that is dehydrated by drying or baking is known as "desiccated coconut." Coconuts take 12 months to fully mature and ripen. He consulted the catalogue Herbarium Amboinense by Georg Eberhard Rumphius where Rumphius said that coccus was a homonym of coccum and coccus from Greek kokkos meaning "grain"[41] or "berry", but Romans identified coccus with "kermes insects"; Rumphius preferred the word cocus as a replacement. It forms the basis of wedding and worship rituals in Hinduism.