Facts About Brown Coconut
Brown coconut has one of the best modern-day stories of our time. You’ve probably heard that you should avoid it at all costs because to its high saturated fat content, which might be harmful to your heart. In recent years, however, some people have embraced coconut as a component of potentially health-promoting diets. Read on to learn more about brown coconut!
What Is A Brown Coconut?
A brown coconut is another name for mature coconut. Brown coconuts are harvested from the trees before they ripen. During this period, the white flesh inside the young coconuts contains starch rather than oil. The whole brown coconut seed consists of three main layers:
- Outer layer (husk): This part provides protection to the coconut and is removed throughout the processing stages.
- Inner layer (meat): This part is the white coconut flesh we know and love.
- Middle line: This part holds the two other layers together. It’s removed during processing too, but it can be used for oil extraction purposes.
What Does Brown Coconut Taste And Look Like?
The flavor of brown coconut is very rich and sweet, but not as overpowering as the desiccated coconut. Because it’s harvested before ripening, the white flesh is slightly more crunchy than white coconut. The red meat on the inside doesn’t have much aroma or color. Its texture is more firm too, but less tough compared to the white coconut.
Brown coconuts can be identified by their dark brown husk, which turns from green to brown after drying. In addition, you’ll also see a faint shade of redness on the smooth exterior shell. This is where the white flesh and middle line meet up with each other.
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How Is Brown Coconut Processed? (Dehydration, Grinding, Oil Extraction)
The outer husk of brown coconut is removed during the desiccation/drying process, which can vary from 24 to 48 hours. After this process, you’ll have a dried-out brown coconut shell ready for shelling and grinding.
To extract the oil inside a brown coconut, you’ll need to split the seed into three sections. The white flesh is removed from the shell and dried under the sun for a few days to get rid of excess moisture. It’s then ground into a coarse powder using traditional stone mills.
Finally, the oil is extracted from this powder by boiling it in a large pot for 30 to 45 minutes, which will separate out the oil. The oil is then filtered and left out in the sun for a couple of days to get rid of any excess moisture.
What Are Some Health Benefits Of Brown Coconut?
1) Rich In Lauric Acid
It’s high in healthy lauric acid that gives it anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
2) Contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
Coconut oil contains MCTs, which is a fat that’s easily metabolized and used by the body as an energy source. Healthy sources of MCTs include palm kernel and coconut oils, as well as another fatty acid called caprylic acid.
3) Contains Antioxidants
It contains powerful antioxidants such as caffeic and ferulic acids, capric acid and vitamin E that can combat free radicals and protect the body from diseases.
4) Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Level
Coconut oil has been linked to better glucose control, both in healthy people and those with diabetes. It contains roughly 40 percent medium-chain triglycerides, which are more rapidly absorbed than long-chain fatty acids and may speed up the metabolism to produce quick energy.
5) Contains Lactobacillus
It contains lactic acid bacteria that helps improve gut health by balancing the intestinal microflora.
6) Reduces Hunger
Coconut oil can reduce your appetite by increasing the feeling of fullness. It contains short- and medium-chain fatty acids, which are easily absorbed by the body and metabolized as fuel for immediate energy instead of being stored in the adipose tissue. This helps promote weight loss because you’ll need less food to feel satisfied.
7) Contains Anti-Fungal/Anti-Microbial Properties
It’s effective against Candida, a common fungal infection in the digestive tract.
8) Aids In Digestion
The saturated fats help promote the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables and other foods.
Related Article: How To Eat Mangosteen? 6 Health Benefits Of Eating Mangosteen
How to Choose and Store Coconut for the Highest Quality
Look For They Coconut That Doesn’t Have Any Holes Or Dents
Choose coconut without any holes, cracks or dents. This ensures the fruit is fresh and free from mold contamination.
Avoid Damaged Coconut Shells
Avoid coconut shells that are covered in mold or mildew. These are sure signs of bacterial contamination that will leave you with moldy meat.
Look For Brown Coconut Water That Has No Cloudiness Or Odor
Look for coconut water that doesn’t have any cloudiness or odor. Signs of cloudiness indicate bacterial growth, while a rancid smell means the fruit is old or has been left too long before being packaged.
Avoid Coconut Meat That Has A Sour Or Putrid Odor
Avoid coconut meat that has a sour or putrid odor. If the fruit is spoiled, you’ll know by its smell.
Look For Fresh Brown Coconut Milk And Cream
Look for fresh brown coconut milk and cream (not yellowish), which indicates that it’s fresh and packed within the last month.
Store Brown Coconut In A Cool, Dark Place
Store brown coconut in a cool, dark place until use. After opening the fruit, keep it refrigerated for up to one month or freeze them for six months.
To extract the oil inside a brown coconut, you first have to crack it open. After cracking the coconut open, you should be able to see if there is a tender brown meat inside the hard shell. That tender meat can then be scraped out. The oil extracted from the coconut is used in various cosmetic products, including soaps. If you are lucky enough to find fresh brown coconuts, they will yield more than just the meat – the water inside is also very healthy and hydrating for your skin.
The flesh of a brown coconut can be dried to make copra, which is then pressed to extract coconut oil. This is the same process used to extract oil from processed white coconuts. The processing produces a higher yield of oil than using fresh coconuts.
Conclusion
Brown coconut is an amazing food that has been providing people with essential nutrition for thousands of years. Thanks to its numerous health benefits, many dieticians recommend adding the fruit in one’s daily menu. It is also used in skin care due to its high antioxidants content. The meat is used in traditional medicine by certain cultures in order to treat stomach problems and infections while it is also perfect during the summer months due to its high fluid content. The oil is used in cooking and adding it to one’s diet can help regulate blood sugar levels.
The benefits of brown coconut are numerous, but only if the fruit is consumed fresh and unprocessed. If you are interested, give it a try – your body will thank you later.
