Young Coconut

Characteristics and Uses

Young coconuts are covered with a special-shaped ivory shell. The inner is transparent water with the white meat. The case can not be eaten because it is too hard. The parts that can be used are juice and meat. They are slightly sweet in taste. The meat of young coconuts is quite tender, therefore, you can eat them directly. Plus, the water can be used right away after opening. However, we recommend you to use cold to get the cool taste. In fact, young coconuts are collected when they are before the peak of maturity. 

To open to young coconut, use a big sharp knife and cut a hole in the top of the fruit. Then, after pouring out the water, cut the case into two pieces. To take out the meat, use a spoon to scoot out them. The water and meat can be kept for about 1-2 days in the refrigerator. You can also use them for desserts such as jelly, coconut meat candies, etc. thanks to their sweetness. When using them, you do not need to add too much sugar but the dishes are still so good. 

Development and Distribution

Modern studies have pointed out that the origin of the coconut is Central Indo-Pacific, the area between western Southeast Asia and Melanesia, where it includes the most diversity. Originally, the growth and spread were associated with the early migrations of the Austronesian citizens who took the coconuts as canoe plants to islands they settled. After that, coconuts had been planted as a source of sweet water since they are easy to grow without care. They have gradually appeared in many countries all over the world, especially the tropical climate. Nowadays, coconut is cultivated and distributed from many countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Columbia, Panama West Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil. 

Nutrition Value

The stats in 1 whole young coconut (meat and water)

• Calories: 270
• Total fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 43 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Glucose: 23 grams
• Net carbs: 43 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Sodium: 4% (*)
• Calcium: 10%
• Iron: 8%

(*) Based on the daily value

Main Benefits

Lower blood sugar: Research on animals diabetes show that coconut water could support reducing the blood sugar as well as keeping the level in control. However, it needs more studies on humans to make it clear.

Avoid kidney stones: Through some studies, coconut water can block the risk of kidney stones by lowering crystal and stone creation. However, more studies are performed to prove this clearly.

Beneficial for the heart: Meanwhile there are some studies about the link between coconut water and heart health, more pieces of research are carried out.

Great after prolonged exercise: Coconut juice is useful for supplying fluids and electrolytes after doing exercise. It has the same function as other sporty beverages.

Anti-oxidant properties: Antioxidants fight off free radicals that create damages as well as block the cell functions. In young coconut, there are numerous kinds of antioxidants.

Recipes with young coconut

Fresh young coconut and banana smoothies

Ingredients: 

• 1 ½ cups of coconut water
• 1 cup of coconut meat
• 2 frozen bananas
• 6 ice cubes 
• ¼ cup almond milk

Making: Add all the ingredients into the blender and blend until the mixture are as smooth and thick as you desire. Serve right away.

Onde Onde

This is a traditional dessert dumpling with fresh coconut outer and brown sugar inner. This dessert is native to Indonesia. 

Ingredients (6 servings):

• 2 cups of glutinous rice flour, add more for rolling and shaping
• ¾ cups of canned unsweetened coconut milk (fresh coconut milk accepted)
• Salt
• Pandan essence, optional for color
• ¼ cup packed dark-brown sugar
• 1 cup of freshly grated coconut meat

Steps:

Step 1: Add flour, salt, and coconut milk into the bowl and stir them until the mixture becomes thick. Add pandan essence if liked, a little by a little, until it gets the green color you are looking for.

Step 2: Flour your hand, roll about 2 tablespoons of dough into the ball, and utilize your thumb to create a deep indentation in the center. Put the brown sugar in the center, shape the ball to cover the sugar. Roll in flour slightly, and put them on a parchment-lined. Remake with other balls.

Step 3: Prepared a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Then add six dumplings into the pot and stir slightly to avoid them attaching together. After cooking for about 10 minutes, the filling is melted, you need to check the dumplings by taking them out and opening them. Utilize the spoon with slots or holes, take the dumplings to a clean kitchen towel and set them aside.

Step 4: Place the coconut ball on the plate, and roll them when they are warm in grated coconut. Leave them cool before enjoying. You can wrap it with plastic and keep it for a day after making it.

Young coconut in Long Produce

In Long Produce, we supply young coconuts with the clear original and high quality. Coming with us, you will get the freshest coconut for your family and your dearest one. Making and enjoying together fresh young coconut with Long Produce right today.