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coconut

ProduceYear-round in tropical regions where coconut palms grow; young green coconuts peak in spring and early summer in most growing regions, while mature brown coconuts are available throughout the year with peak harvest varying by region.

Coconut flesh is rich in medium-chain fatty acids and fiber, while coconut water provides electrolytes including potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Coconut products are calorie-dense and contain beneficial compounds such as lauric acid and polyphenols.

About

Coconut is the fruit of Cocos nucifera, a tropical palm tree native to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, now cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. The mature coconut is a large, fibrous drupe with a hard outer husk, a thick inner shell, and a central cavity containing white endosperm (flesh) and nutrient-rich liquid (coconut water). The flesh ranges from soft and gelatinous in young green coconuts to firm and oily in mature brown coconuts, with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that becomes more pronounced with maturity. Coconuts are processed into numerous forms including fresh meat, dried copra, milk, cream, oil, and flour, each with distinct characteristics and applications.

The coconut palm has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and remains one of the most economically important plants in tropical regions, with nearly every part of the fruit finding culinary or commercial use.

Culinary Uses

Coconut is fundamental to Asian, Pacific, and Caribbean cuisines, where it appears in both savory and sweet applications. Coconut milk and cream form the base of curries, soups, and sauces throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Indian cooking. Fresh coconut meat is eaten raw, grated into desserts and confections, or incorporated into rice dishes and salads. Coconut water serves as a beverage and cooking liquid, while dried coconut is used in baked goods, granola, and traditional sweets. Coconut oil is employed for frying, baking, and as a finishing ingredient, and coconut flour provides a gluten-free alternative in baking applications.

Recipes Using coconut (213)

RCI-VG.001.0679.001

African Fruit Salad

This salad or comparable greens and fruit combinations are served in all parts of Africa. The salad is ideal for a group of women on any occasion and men also appreciate it on a hot day. It is especially appropriate for a weekend or outdoor luncheon.

RCI-SN.004.0385.001

Almond Burfi

Almond Burfi

RCI-BR.005.0077.001

Almond Butter Brownies

Purchased from the Watson Estate in McKinney, Texas in 1991. Dated 1966.

RCI-RC.005.0029.001

Almond Cherry Granola

Almond Cherry Granola from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0138.001

Amish Cracker Pudding

This pudding as a light dessert after a heavy meal.

RCI-SN.004.0117.001

Appam

a fermented rice pancake, is a speciality of the South Indian coastal state of Kerala. It is especially popular among the Christian communities of that state. Appam are often served along with a coconut-flavoured vegetable stew.

RCI-SN.004.1231.001

Arroz con Dulce I

Puerto Rican rice pudding Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0028.001

Australian Anzac Biscuits

A biscuit or cookie originally sent in food parcels to Australian and New Zealand troops during the First World War when eggs were scarce, the Anzac (named after the term for Australian and New Zealand soldiers) has become a national favorite.

RCI-SN.004.0144.001

Avial

Madras Style Vegetables

RCI-SN.004.0394.001

Bahamian Coconut Candy

This is a coconut candy. Maanasa Rocks!!!! Everyone knows that too. 0)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RCI-EG.003.0066.001

Baingan Bartha (Southern)

Baingan Bartha (Southern) is an eggplant (aubergine) dish much loved all over India. This southern version of the dish is much different from northern varieties, and well suited to the cuisine of the region.

RCI-BR.001.0306.001

Bajan Sweet Bread

Bajan Sweet Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0362.001

Bajan Sweet Bread I

Bajan Sweet Bread I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.1161.001

Banana Coconut treat

I love bananas and I love the coconut it is a perfect combination.

RCI-SN.004.1307.001

Banana Dessert

Banana Dessert from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.1242.001

Baraboa Mas Huni

Baraboa Mas Huni from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0240.001

Basmati Rice with Nuts and Dried Fruit

Basmati Rice with Nuts and Dried Fruit from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.1316.001

Belizean Coconut Pie

Belizean Coconut Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0794.001

Belizean Rice and Beans

Belizean Rice and Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.1317.001

Belizean Trifle

Belizean Trifle from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0985.001

Bethlehem Mud

Bethlehem Mud from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0889.001

Bhajanichi Vatana Amti

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-SN.004.0243.001

Biscutlus

Biscutlus from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.1246.001

Blue Draws

RCI-SN.004.0045.001

Bojo

Cuisine of Suriname

RCI-SN.004.0896.001

Bolivian Cocadas

Bolivian Cocadas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0189.001

Broiled Butterscotch Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SN.004.0807.001

Broiled Peanut Frosting

Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group]

RCI-SN.004.0582.001

Camarones con Coco

Coconut shrimp.

RCI-BR.001.0645.001

Caribbean Banana Bread

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-MT.002.0268.001

Caribbean Fish Sandwich with Grilled Pineapple-Avocado Salsa

Caribbean Fish Sandwich with Grilled Pineapple-Avocado Salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0288.001

Caribbean Guacamole

Down in Jamaica they've got lots of pretty women and some great ideas for spicing up their island version of guacamole. Tropical fruit, crunchy coconut and piquant pepper mingle with avocado as pleasantly as an ocean breeze.

RCI-VG.004.0798.001

Caribbean Rice

Serve with grilled or broiled shrimp. Makes 4 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0718.001

Carrot Cake Upside Your Head

Submitted by criscodisco Uploaded by Schpyder I work with a crazy old lady, and today is her ten millionth birthday. She loves carrot cake, so I decided to make several to take into work tonight.

RCI-SN.004.0815.001

Cassava Pone

Cassava Pone from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.1000.001

Cassava Pone Guyanese-style

Cassava Pone Guyanese-style from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0251.001

Cathy's Coconut Candy

From my grandmother's collection. Dated 1932. This one has a notation that it is out of the 1930 Farm Journal Magazine.

RCI-SN.004.0322.001

Cat’s Avocado Cream Pie

Cat’s Avocado Cream Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0817.001

Cat's Banana Colada

Cat's Banana Colada from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0407.001

Celery Payaru Thoran

Ethnicity - South Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-SN.004.0408.001

Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars

Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0091.001

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a well known dessert in New York, this particular recipe is New York style cheesecak

RCI-SN.004.1175.001

Chendol

Also called "jen dol"

RCI-BR.004.0423.001

Cherry Dump Cake

Cherry Dump Cake This recipe, which is great served warm with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream, comes from my paternal grandmother, who I liked to call Nanae. As a side note, you can substitute peaches, strawberries, etc.

RCI-MT.006.0422.001

Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0248.001

Chocolate Macaroon Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.005.0016.001

Chocolate Macaroons

A delicious macaroon cookie recipe that does not even require baking!

RCI-SN.004.0837.001

Chou Chou Koot

Chou Chou Koot from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0458.001

Christmas Ho-Ho-Co-co-nut Gift Cake

This cake has always been a big hit a couple of hours AFTER the big Christmas meal. I will try to describe it as best I can without benefit of picture.

RCI-DS.005.0088.001

Christmas Surprises

Christmas Surprises from the Recidemia collection