Current customer? Log In

	Search Quick Order Form» Departments Vitamins Minerals Supplements Herbs Home & Grocery Diet & Fitness Body & Bath More Ways to Shop Brands A-Z Natural Remedies Children & Infants Women's Health Men's Health Seniors Free Catalog MotherNature.com's Catalog Is Here! Click Here to Get Your Free Copy Today. Newsletter Sign Up Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!		Library Home > Food Guide > Coconuts COCONUTS Introduction Buying and storing Preparation tips Nutritional highlights Health benefits and concerns References Visit The Healthy Living Bookshelf: 21 Online Health Books From Rodale Coconut milk is popular in Indian cuisine, where it is used in curries, sauces, and desserts. The coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm tree. The coconut contains an edible pulp that is a popular food and is used to make creamy white coconut milk. The sweet water liquid in the center of the coconut is known as coconut water. Varieties Coconuts are grown in tropical regions where they grow wild, but they are also cultivated in Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. The coconut comes from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), which is grown primarily in Malaysia as well as Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and parts of India and South America. Buying and storing tips To choose a fresh coconut, shake it to be sure it contains water in the hollow center. Look for coconuts that are without cracks and contain firm, mold-free “eyes.” Unopened, fresh coconuts will keep at room temperature for up to three months. Fresh coconut pulp can be kept refrigerated for up to a week; it also freezes well for up to nine months. Dried coconut should be kept in a tightly sealed container and stored in a cool, dry place. Availability Fresh coconut is available year-round. It is also available dried, grated, and flaked, both sweetened and unsweetened. Unsweetened, canned coconut milk is also available. Preparation, uses, and tips To use fresh coconut, it must first be removed from its hard exterior shell. Begin by piercing the “eyes,” using an ice pick or other sharp implement. Pour out the coconut water into a container and then crack open the coconut with a hammer. The pulp can then be removed. Coconut can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Dried, flaked coconut is often used to decorate desserts. Coconut milk is used in a variety of ways and is especially popular in Indian cuisine where it is used in curries, sauces, desserts, and other dishes. Nutritional Highlights Coconut (meat, raw, unsweetened), 1 cup, shredded Calories: 283 Protein: 2.7g Carbohydrate: 12.2g Total Fat: 26.8g Fiber: 7.2g *Good source of: Iron (1.9mg), and Selenium (8.1 mcg) *Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines. Health benefits and concerns Health benefits and concerns for nuts and seeds Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other nuts and seeds. Read about health benefits and concerns for nuts and seeds for a full description.

Accept Credit Cards Online

Order By Phone 1-800-439-5506

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature.com is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.

Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1995-2008 Mother Nature, Inc. All rights reserved.