Coconut

The coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm (*Cocos nucifera*), a tree often called the "tree of life" due to its immense utility. **Botanically, it is classified as a fibrous one-seeded drupe, not a true nut.** A mature coconut fruit is large, typically ovoid or ellipsoid, and has three distinct layers: 1. Exocarp (Outer Skin):** The smooth, greenish-yellow to yellow-brown outer layer of the whole fruit. 2. Mesocarp (Husk):** A thick, fibrous layer beneath the skin, which is the source of **coir**, a material used for ropes, mats, and brushes. This layer is usually removed for coconuts sold in non-producing countries. 3. Endocarp (Hard Shell):** The familiar hard, brown, woody shell, which encloses the seed. It features three "eyes," or germination pores. Inside the hard shell is the **endosperm**, which is composed of two parts: * **Coconut Water:** A clear, refreshing liquid found in abundance in *young* or "green" coconuts. * **Coconut Meat (Flesh/Kernel):** The firm, white, edible layer that lines the inside of the shell. This is a source of **copra** (dried meat) from which coconut oil and coconut milk are extracted. The coconut is highly valued for its role in tropical cuisine and its products, including oil, milk, and water, which provide essential nutrients and hydration. ---