Coconut – NOT A NUT – Then why do ‘they’ call it coco-NUT? I’m going to write to them and tell them… who are ‘they’? ‘They’ who make everything so! Anyone know? If you do find out could you please tell us so we can take out some of our beef on ‘them’! Anyway, enough about beef, you’re here because you want to know about the coco – - thing.
As you know by now it is not actually a nut! Grown throughout the tropical regions for many uses, on of which is for it’s edible fruit, yay! The fruit, by the time it reaches our shops, has had it’s husk removed and appears to be a wood-like shell (good for horse imitation). Once that is cracked you’re into a white wonderland of endosperm (the meat) and water! Of course you can eat the meat fresh or dried and drink the water.
Nutrition and Liquid Form
Coconut water is actually an un-branded isotonic drink – full of sugar, protein, fiber, and minerals in the same concentration as the body’s cells – so no more expensive sports drinks needed then! Coconuts also pack in some added vitamins and antioxidants for you; how good of them!
You will also no doubt be familiar with coconut milk. Made by merging the coconut meat with hot water. It has a high fat content as the raw flesh does and a luscious aromatic full bodied creamy flavour and texture!
The fat in coconut is not to be feared, oh no! The fats are mainly Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s) which do not get stored as fat readily but rather undergo a process called beta-oxidation and are then used much like glucose. Recently athletes have been using MCT’s in preparation for endurance events such as Iron Man Triathlons. However if you sit around in front of the TV eating coconut you will get fat!
Where to Buy
Fairtrade Coconuts can be found in Asda, Morrisons, The Co-Op and Sainsbury’s – be sure to lobby your supermarket to get their act together. Also be sure to be asking for Fairtrade coconut water and milk products!
See all smoothie recipes with coconut
