Coconut

Coming under the Arecaceae palm family, Coconut or coconut palm is also denoted with its scientific name, Cocos Nucifera. This fruit is part of the Cocus genus species as one of the most accepted ones. In the botanical standards, it is a drupe instead of a nut fruit. Name of this fruit has been derived from the Portuguese and Spanish word "coco" which indicates head or skull. Such name prevails from 16th century. As coconut shell resembles human facial features, this name became one of the most crucial identities of this world famous fruit.

Multiple types of coconut uses are common as far as using this fruit on worldwide level is concerned. As a fruit, it is commonly found in tropic and sub-tropic regions. In fact, this fruit remains one of the most notable elements of the daily diet of many families in different parts of Indian subcontinent, nearby countries and rest nations worldwide. As a fruit, coconut varies from the rest fruits in its structure and use.

It contains sufficient water inside it, hence this fruit is also used for the purpose to obtain drinking water in several parts of the world. Mature coconuts too have water but tender coconuts carry sufficient drinking water. Coconut is commonly processed to get oil from its kernel. Hard shells and coir of coconuts are often used for rest purposes including one of the common purposes to develop charcoals.

Dried coconut flesh is named copra that is usually brought into multiple uses such as use in foods, sweets besides its use to prepare coconut oils. Grated coconut is used to cook vegetables and foods in southern part of India. Coconut chutneys and variety of other dishes are prepared through garnished coconut. It is usual scene in many parts of Indian subcontinent.

Coconut Production in India

Researchers have found out the traces of coconut production since thousands of centuries ago. Its early traces have been found in southern part of India in the state of Kerala and its nearby regions. Eminent researcher of the ancient era, O.F. Cook concluded that although coconut was available worldwide, its early traces were in the Americas. Another research has indicated about availability of oldest coconut fossils in India and Australia approximately 37 to 55 million years ago.

Coconut Growing States in India & Best Season

India's national economy has direct impact and causal relation with the production of coconut in this country. India remains 3rd largest coconut producer in the world. Some of the other Indian states with their highest coconut production are Kerala at 45.22% of total production, Tamil Nadu at 26.56%, Karnataka at 10.85% and Andhra Pradesh at 8.93% share respectively. Some more states where coconut is produced abundantly include Goa, Orissa, West Bengal, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands amongst others.

Methods of Growing Coconut

Sandy soils are most suitable to grow coconut palms. Perhaps, it is the main reason coconut palms flourish on the sandy soils. As such palms are extremely salinity tolerant they are best produced in the seashore areas which are wonderful places to grow coconut palms. Suitable environment for it is to provide sufficient sunlight and regular rainfall from 1500 mm to 2500 mm on the annual basis for maximum level of coconut cultivation.

Cultivating coconuts require extreme humidity level and if it is at 70–80%+ then production goes high. Warm weather conditions are the most suitable weather conditions. Even cold weather doesn't create any trouble due to the extremely high resistance power of the coconut palms.

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