National Coconut Day is coming up on June 26, and what better way to celebrate than with some cool coconut facts! This amazing superfood is full of surprises, with more to learn each day.
FACT 1: Coconut trees are one of the MOST SUSTAINABLE tree types!
Did you know that coconut trees are renewable and sustainable resources? They don’t require any pesticides or fertilizers (though some coconut oil companies still choose to use them- ugh!) because of their reliance on salt to grow. They can be harvested multiple times a year without harming the tree which also helps sustainable farming practices. Coconut trees also support biodiversity in how they provide a habitat and food for many species, with even more benefits being added by the farming practice of intercropping.
FACT 2: Coconuts are NOT actually nuts.
Coconuts are actually botanically classified as a DRUPE! It sounds fancy, but just means that they are a part of the stone-fruit family because their hard shell encloses the seed. Other delicious stone fruits are peaches, nectarines, cherries, and plums! It can get complicated quickly when you look at different culinary and botanical classifications of fruits and nuts, but now you know a new way to categorize coconuts.
FACT 3: EVERY PART of the coconut is usable.
Coconuts have many layers, and Dignity Coconuts works to be able to use all of them in unique ways. Most fruits, nuts, and DRUPES are more versatile than we give them credit for! Globally, most coconut companies take the oil or the water of the coconut, and discard the rest. As much as 80% of each coconut is wasted - piled up to rot! Our brilliant engineers spent months researching the properties of coconuts and found there were creative uses for each part.
Oil: We extract the oil using our unique centrifuge method so you can use it in your every-day life! Try a jar of our 100% Raw Coconut Oil today.
Water & Milk: We’re in the process of developing a coconut water and coconut milk product! In the meantime, our employees at the Dignity plant drink it and bring it home to their families to enjoy.
Shell: We grind the shell to make a renewable filler for stronger, lighter plastics.
Husk Fibers: We are in the process of transforming the husk fibers into erosion-control blankets.
Peat: We are in the process of capturing the peat as a conditioner to give new life to stale soil.
FACT 4: Coconuts can SWIM in the ocean.
Coconuts can float on water because of their internal air cavity and fibrous outer coating. They are known for their ability to travel vast distances across oceans, up to 3,000 miles. From the outside, when you pick up a coconut you would think it would sink. Instead, this 2-4 pound ball has an air cavity in the center where the coconut water is stored, which helps it to float. The coconuts’ ability to float has taken them many places across the world and they thrive in tropical climates. So, next time you are on a tropical beach, look around and see if there are any coconut trees. Chances are, there probably will be!
FACT 5: In some cultures, coconuts can be used for instruments.
Coconut shells are used to create musical instruments. For example, in the Philippines, the traditional instrument known as the “buktot” is made from a coconut shell and is played like a small guitar or ukulele. Coconuts have a rich cultural tradition in other parts of the world too and can be used to make a variety of percussion instruments.
FACT 6: Coconut trees have long lives.
Coconut trees can live for over 60 years, with some varieties producing coconuts for up to 80 years. This long lifespan makes them a sustainable and long-term resource for communities that rely on them. After an initial period of about 6-7 years, the trees start producing coconuts and have decades more left! Tragically, in many tropical areas like the Philippines, coconut trees can be at risk from typhoons which can devastate communities. When you use Dignity’s coconut oil, you are giving back to farmers through typhoon relief, ensuring that new trees are planted, and generations of families can continue their livelihood.
You don’t have to stop learning with these quick facts, but you can use your new knowledge to make a positive impact on people & the planet with your purchase of Dignity Coconuts Raw Coconut Oil!
