RSS
Home
Go nuts for coconuts
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
It’s like the ultimate Jeopardy question. What one food item’s fluid can be used as an intravenous fluid, husk as a floor buffer, and shell as an improvised explosive device? Oh, and it’s also the ultimate beach treat.
Feeling stumped? Well, what if we told you it was the common coconut.
Indeed, the coconut, the fruit of the coconut tree (even though it’s actually considered a nut!) is really somewhat of a power food. Consider this: Just one cup of shredded, raw coconut contains 27 grams of fat, mostly a healthy, saturated form; 3 grams of protein; 12 grams of carbohydrates; and a hefty dose of fiber.
But, what I really admire about coconut is how versatile it is in the culinary world. In addition to being eaten raw, for example, the meat of the coconut can also be dried and ground and used as a substitute for traditional flour – great for those watching their carbohydrate intake. The coconut water (which is different to coconut milk, which is actually a man-made product), meanwhile, has potassium and several other electrolytes, making it a great (albeit expensive) natural sports drink. And finally, in younger coconuts, you can find an almost-gelatin like substance great for piling atop fresh fruit.
