The coconut is an amazing fruit.  In England, the main delight of a whole coconut is usually the delight of winning, as it is often the prize at the village fete, rather than the coconut itself.

In India, the coconut provides a delightful drink. Coconuts are offered for sale by the side of the road. A hole is made through one of the ‘eyes’ so that the refreshing liquid can be drunk by inserting a straw.  If you then return the husk, the vendor will split it in two with a machete so that you can enjoy the white flesh within. The whole colourful and precarious-looking ceremony adds to the delight – and the setting no doubt makes the coconut seem all the more delicious. 

Apart from coconut water, milk, cream and oil, the shell is also very valuable.The coconut is a source of coir, often used nowadays for eco products such as pot scourers in addition to the familiar doormats.

The name ‘coconut’ comes from the Old Portuguese, meaning head or skull.