Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Young coconuts are available year round.
Description/Taste
The young coconut, also known as ma-prao orn, is encased with a uniquely shaped ivory shell. The young coconut is harvested directly from the tree before it has time to age and drop like the more mature white and brown husked coconuts. Inside is a refreshing juice and a soft jelly-like meat. This white coconut meat offers a sweet flavor that is soft enough to be eaten with a spoon.
Nutritional Value
Young coconuts provide a source of calcium, carbohydrates, a trace of iron and dietary fiber. The water in this coconut is very high in electrolytes. One average coconut contains about 140 calories. Saturated fat is present in coconut meat, a rarity for fruits and vegetables.
Applications
Young coconuts are especially ideal for making desserts. They can be used to flavor a variety of baked goods, ice cream, pies, sorbets and beverages. Flavor frosting for cakes and cookies. Make a colorful sweet topping for baked goods and confections. The fresh coconut water can be slightly frozen where the juice will turn to ice and can be eaten like a sorbet. Blend coconut water and flesh to make a smoothie or a base for soups. For flavor variation, add avocado, dates, figs, carob powder or maple syrup. To store, always refrigerate.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In India, coconut meat is said to be especially beneficial for pregnant women and new mothers. In Sanskrit, this palm tree is called, "kalpa vriksha", meaning the "tree which provides all the necessities of life". In Brazil, the word "coco" refers to the fruit of all the varieties of the coconut palm. In Bahia, the coconut is considered one of the region's holy trinity of ingredients, joining malagueta pepper and palm oil. In Thailand, the coconut is the country’s most important crop and the Thais use every part of the coconut tree – from using the green husk for fertilizer, to shaping the hard shells into bowls, spoons and ladles, and even using old dried-out coconuts for floats to teach young children to swim.
Geography/History
In the Philippines, "buko" is the term for "young coconut". These coconuts are harvested before they reach maturity and the grated buko is soaked in the water of the young coconut to make a special buko juice. Another unusual coconut is the macapuno that grows in the Philippines. The cavity is not filled with the usual liquid but rather is full of a gelatinous flesh that is also eaten with a spoon. Called Nam Hom, Thailand is a major producer and exporter.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Victoria Mahdion | San Diego CA | 619-987-3304 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Banquets | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Misha Cafe & Juice Bar | San Diego CA | 619-795-3488 |
| Bikram's Students | San Diego CA | 619-220-6811 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Hotel La Jolla & CUSP Dining & Drinks | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Miguel's Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-298-9840 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Young Coconut. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Young Coconut using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 45 days ago Saffron Near San Diego, California, United States About 139 days ago |
