Think of a tropical island and the image that springs to mind is that of a sandy beach bordered with coconut palms. Beyond a place to indulge in shade though, these symbols of the holiday spirit also provide an abundant source of materials and ingredients that are used for a variety of every day reasons. From root to leaf tip the coconut palm can be used for our benefit, thus earning it the nickname ‘Tree of Life’. Here are a few examples to look out for…
1.Coconut Water
Breaking open a coconut and drinking down the sweet liquid to be found inside has been the savior for many a marooned man dying of thirst. There are plenty of bars and cafés in Bali that make it a lot easier though. From alcoholic cocktails to simply cutting off the top and adding ice with a straw, coconuts provide a cool remedy to the tropical heat with their natural source of flavored water. Young coconut water is also used for the treatment of high blood pressure and it’s full of amino acids and vitamins.
2.Coconut Meat
Coconut meat is a popular food ingredient, especially in Bali. Head on down to a traditional restaurant and check out the menu for meals such as Yongko, Pisang Rai, Serombotan, Laklak and Lawar; just a few local cook ups that take advantage of the ‘other white meat’. Either that or crack one open on the beach and eat it raw. Now that’s livin’ in the tropics.
3.Coconut Milk
This smooth, creamy white cooking base is derived from the meat of mature coconuts. Its rich taste and color is attributed to the high content of oil and sugars and it comes in two grades; thick and thin. Directly squeezing grated coconut meat through cheesecloth produces thick milk, and repeating this process a second or third time after soaking the used meat in warm water will produce thin milk. Rich, dry sauces and desserts are often cooked with thick coconut milk while soups and general cooking uses thin milk.
4. Coconut Oil
This simple extract produced from pressing coconut meat just happens to be a super health benefit for the body, helping to protect against heart disease, prevent cancer and osteoporosis, empower the immune system, prevent infection, keep diabetes under control and soften the skin when used externally. Also great as a massage oil! Two table-spoons in the morning and at night are enough to start cleansing the system.
5.Coconut Shell
Not even the outside shell of the coconut goes to waste. Balinese cooking often uses a small coal fire to grill fish, corn or beef and the coconut shell is perfect for using as charcoal. It is also used for creating souvenirs and household goods such as rice ladles and ashtrays.
6. Coconut Leaf
The Leaf of the coconut palm has a huge range of practical uses, especially within Balinese Hindu ceremonies to create ornaments and wrap food for serving and cooking. Canang is the ornament placed in various locations as a prayer offering and it is made from cutting and weaving the leaf into a square bowl. Other examples are baskets, handicrafts, roofing and decorations.
7.Coconut trunk
The trunk of the coconut tree is itself commonly used as a building material within housing and bridges, while also being utilized for ornamental carvings, furniture and souvenirs.
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