Now coconut palm can be found in the tropics of both hemispheres, both in wild and in cultural form. The coconut palm prefers sandy soils and usually grows on tropical coasts. In ancient times, its growth was natural: when the coconut ripens, it falls to the ground and sometimes slides into the water. The coconut can float for about three months, breaking thousands of kilometers. "Mooring" to the shore, it can take roots in the sand, since it has already germinated in the water.
The palm of coconut reaches 30 meters in height, flexible and slender, with a large crown, glistening pinnate leaves, tilted toward the sea. He likes moist air and heavy rainfall. One tree gives 60 - 120 nuts per season. Collect the nuts fully ripe or a month before ripening. The fruit of the palm ripens for a long time - within 10 to 12 months.
The coconut has an oval shape in length of 15 - 30 cm, weighing 1.5 - 2.5 kg. The solid layer outside looks like a nut shell, called exocarp. Inside the nut - white mass - endocarp, 12 mm thick and endosperm. Endosperm is coconut water, liquid and transparent. During the maturation of the fetus, it turns into an emulsion of milky color, then thickens and hardens. On top of the fruit there are three grooves, and if they do holes in it, you can get coconut water without opening the fruit. Sometimes coconut water and coconut milk are confused. Coconut milk is extracted from the pulp of coconut, it is white and different to taste from coconut water. This milk is easy to prepare at home. For this, the coconut pulp is rubbed on the grater, poured with water and after 20 minutes is squeezed through gauze - exotic coconut milk is ready. This liquid contains a lot of fats and sugar, so it is often used to make piquant sauces and sweets.
Coconut has also useful medicinal properties: it contains vitamins B and C, mineral salts, sodium, calcium, iron, potassium, fructose, glucose and sucrose. Microelements found in pulp and milk have restorative properties, improve vision, are used to treat diarrhea and cholera. Coconut helps with diseases of the genitourinary system, beriberi, with nervous disorders, treats impotence and helps increase the amount of sperm. Coconut oil controls sugar in the blood and improves the secretion of insulin, which prevents diabetes, is also actively used in the treatment of kidney stone disease.
Coconut oil is widely used in the cosmetic industry: creams, masks, shampoos, rinses that have a fast-absorbing oily and non-sticky texture. Milk based on coconut makes the skin supple and tender, has a very pleasant smell. Coconut oil is used for all skin types. When applied, an invisible layer is formed that maintains the water balance due to its softening, moisturizing and nutritional properties and protects our epidermis from the effects of the environment. Therefore, to restore the coarse and fading skin of the face, this oil is irreplaceable. Since coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect, it can help the sensitive and inflamed skin to easily cope with itching and redness.
Use coconut oil for both the face and the body. It perfectly supports the elasticity and elasticity of the skin, smooths the skin and maintains a general tone. It's not for nothing that Central and South America has been using this oil for many centuries as a rejuvenating agent. Due to the protective properties of oil, it is widely used in the treatment of burns and wounds. And if it is mixed with sunscreen or emulsion, you will get a remedy that can be consumed before and after sunbathing.
Cleanser in combination with coconut oil is well suited for removing make-up from the face and eye area. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, oil is used to care for baby skin. It not only softens the skin of the baby, but also strengthens its immune system.
Coconut is very widely used in cooking, both in fresh form and in dried, in the form of coconut shavings. Shavings are usually used in confectionery to decorate cookies, cakes and pastries and as an additive to yoghurts, ice cream, salads. The pulp of coconut does not contain cholesterol, so it is used not only to extinguish meat, but also fish. Not only does it give its unusual flavor, but it still absorbs the fat and aromas of spices. For this, coconut cubes are well suited. In addition, they perfectly decorate the dish, they are pleasant to taste and leave an unusual aftertaste in your mouth. They are "chewed" like ordinary nuts, vodka is insisted on them.
Coconut oil is a part of the ingredients when cooking margarine. It is added to soups, sauces and dough, which gives the density and flavor to the dish. From coconut milk, invigorating fruit cocktails and health-enhancing drinks are prepared. That's it, a coconut, whose useful properties are so important!