Coconuts

Did you know that coconuts aren’t nuts at all? They are hard, round fruits that grow on trees. There are more than 150 varieties of coconuts that can be found all over the world. Coconut trees can be found in India, the Middle East, Australia, Hawaii, and on many islands in Southeast Asia.

Coconut trees only grow where it is very hot. They need a lot of sun and rain. These trees grow best when it is warm all year long. It can take five or six years before a coconut tree produces a coconut. If it is too cold, a coconut tree will not grow fruit. This happens in places like Bermuda, where palm trees grow but do not produce fruit.

Inside of each coconut, there is coconut water and white coconut meat. Coconut meat is very nutritious. It can also be made into coconut milk and coconut oil. Many countries, like Thailand and India, use these ingredients for cooking. Coconut oil is also used in lotions and beauty products.

Coconut water can be used for drinking or cooking. Some people even put a straw right in the fruit! The water from young coconuts is especially good to drink. Young coconuts are green on the outside. The outside, or husk, turns brown as the coconut ages.

Coconut is high in good fats. It can provide energy and support the immune system. It also keeps hair, skin, and nails looking healthy. Many people consider coconuts to be a “superfood” because they are so good for you! “Superfood” is a word that refers to foods that are very dense in vitamins and nutrients. Coconuts are especially high in vitamins C, B1, B2, and B3. These vitamins are good for your brain and promote healthy cell growth and functioning.