11 Different Types of Coconuts You Never Knew About! (2024)

FAQs

How many different types of coconuts are there? ›

Coconuts can be broadly divided into two fruit types – the ancestral niu kafa form with a thick-husked, angular fruit, and the niu vai form with a thin-husked, spherical fruit with a higher proportion of endosperm.

It is commonly believed that the name “coconut” was given by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century because the three holes on the coconut looked like a human face. “Coco” means “laughing face,” or “grimace.” The English word “nu*t” was only added later on. The coconut is not a nut at all, but a stone fruit.

Lodoicea, commonly known as the sea coconut, coco de mer, or double coconut, is a monotypic genus in the palm family. The sole species, Lodoicea maldivica, is endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles.

The three "holes" are the result of the 3 carpels in coconut flowers, and three carpels is typical of the family Arecaceae (Palms). The "holes" are actually germination pores, where one is usually functional and the other two are plugged. The new coconut shoot will emerge from the functional, open, germination pore.

Despite having the word “nu*t” in its name, a coconut is a fruit — not a nut. In fact, a coconut falls under a subcategory known as drupes, which are defined as fruits that have an inner flesh and seed surrounded by a hard shell. This includes a variety of fruits, such as peaches, pears, walnuts, and almonds ( 2 ).

Before the Seychelles were discovered in 1768, it was believed in the Maldives that there was a mythical coconut palm tree growing on the bottom of the ocean. The reason for this belief was the giant sized coconut (40-50cm / 15-20”) washing up on shore without a tree bearing similar fruits in sight.

Young coconuts, also known as ma-prao orn, are encased with a uniquely shaped ivory shell. The Young coconut is harvested directly from the tree before it has time to age and drop like the more mature white and brown husked coconuts. Inside is a refreshing juice and a soft jelly-like meat.

The deepest place on Earth is the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. It's 36,201 feet (11,034m) deep. That's almost seven miles! The longest river in the world is the River Nile, clocking 6,853km in length.

Wulung coconuts are smaller than the average coconut. They grow by the dozens on stiff central stems and are harvested when still young in their immature, muted green state. The thick, fibrous flesh on the inside of a young Wulung coconut is tinted pink, where others are tan or white.

Here are a few things that really make Thai coconuts the best in the world. Seasonality makes a big difference in terms of the coconut tree's yield or coconuts produced with time of harvest and flavor. In Thailand, there are only two seasons: dry and rainy. This one difference has a huge impact on coconut farming.

Which coconuts have pink water? ›

The water from young Nam Hom coconuts, harvested by our Fair for Life certified partners in Thailand, actually starts out clear when the coconuts are cracked open. But then, naturally the coconut water begins to turn the most beautiful shades of pink.

Scientists also found that coconut extracts, particularly from the husk, showed antimicrobial properties and were effective against various bacteria, fungi, and viruses in lab tests. Coconut endocarp and virgin coconut oil also have high antioxidant activity, which is good for resisting harmful molecules in the body.

One can consume about 40g coconut per day, and it is okay as long as it is uncooked. Its cholesterol content increases only when you grate it and extract milk and then boil it. The same goes for coconut dry kernel, certain foods taste better when coconut dry kernel is used, but it is not good for health.

Coconut water can cause a variety of issues, including low blood sugar and electrolyte imbalance. It can also lead to many stomach and digestion disorders, such as bloating and abdominal pain, among other issues.

Seasonality paired with organic farming practices results in each batch of young Thai coconuts not only tasting their best, but are also being unique in their own sweetness and water to meat ratio.

There is only one species of palm tree that can bear coconuts: the Cocos nucifera. These large exotic fruits can vary in shape, size, and color based on the age, health, and variety of the tree. You can use coconuts for a range of purposes, too.

The best coconut to consume is a young coconut. However, it is the water with which caution should be exercised. Every coconut comes with a warning on what to do with its water. Generally, white coconut is fit for consuming coconut water and not the ripe brown coconut.

Vietnam. This world area of the world is famous for its Green Xiem coconut, which is considered one of a kind due to its high nutrient content and sweetness. It has even been rewarded by the National Office of Vietnam, which recognizes its importance in the economy. The Green Xiem comes from the region of Ben Tre.