{"id":18436,"date":"2016-12-06T08:35:14","date_gmt":"2016-12-06T08:35:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.tickettoridegroup.com\/?p=18436"},"modified":"2025-10-17T18:41:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T18:41:21","slug":"the-humble-coconut-is-a-jack-of-all-trades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tickettoridegroup.com\/blog\/the-humble-coconut-is-a-jack-of-all-trades\/","title":{"rendered":"A humble coconut. A jack of all trades."},"content":{"rendered":"

So we all know\u00a0the current\u00a0craze around\u00a0coconuts and we\u2019ve all heard about the benefits of these beautiful little guys in someway or another. I thought I would unpack these a bit and throw in some crazy other facts and uses for coconuts.<\/span><\/p>\n

But first a brief history lesson\u2026Coconuts are a prehistoric plant that scientists believe either came from the South Pacific around what is now New Guinea.\u00a0<\/span>Because of their water resistance, coconuts are able to stay afloat over the ocean. Now they can be found all over the world from Hawaii, Indonesia, United States, Mozambique<\/a> and even in South Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n

The name coconut is derived from 16th century Portuguese sailors who thought the 3 small holes on the coconut shell resembled the human face so dubbed the fruit “coco” meaning “grinning face, grin, or grimace” The word nut was added in English later on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know<\/b>\u00a0coconut water is an isotonic solution which replaces the fluids, minerals, and electrolytes that the body loses during physical activities. The white, fleshy part of the coconut seed is called coconut flesh. It has high amounts of Manganese and Potassium. So after that 2 hours surf lesson in the tropics of Costa Rica<\/a>, perhaps cracking one open for a post surf drink isn’t a bad idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

Did you know<\/b> in some parts of Indonesia<\/a>, Palm trees are too tall\u00a0for humans to climb, and it can be pretty daunting trying to break off a 3 kilogram coconut while holding on for your life. That\u2019s why coconut farmers have trained up some tree climbing specialists to do the dangerous work for them. Farmers train monkeys to harvest their coconuts. These\u00a0furry little guys\u00a0are so intelligent they recognize their owners voice as he calls them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"http:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Did you know<\/b> that not only is the humble coconut great for humans to consume, it\u2019s can be used as fuel. Biodiesel<\/a> is being used as a fossil fuel alternative, and coconuts happen to be one of the plants that can produce oil in workable quantities. I\u2019m not surprised as the earliest diesel engines ran on peanut oil.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

Did you know<\/b> its not just a refreshment. No surf camp<\/a>\u00a0is complete without a refreshing coconut drink to help you settle in to the island life. But if the partying bee is in your bonnet. Don\u2019t count coconuts out just yet! In some parts of the Philippines, sap from an unopened coconut flower is distilled into a potent drink called lambanog<\/a>. It may be some powerful stuff but it is organic and chemical-free.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

Did you know<\/b> coconuts can be used to make rope. Using the fibers from the coconut husk. You can weave it into short pieces of rope which can be tied together to make a longer piece. Could be quite handy if you ever find yourself in a survival situation or if you forget your leg rope at home and the surf is too good to go back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

Did you know<\/b> coconut oil is versatile outside of the kitchen. There is the whole cooking aspect to it. But did you know it\u2019s great for a DIY sunscreen<\/a>. Mixed with some zinc, beeswax and carrot seed oil you’re looking at a natural sunblock with an SPF of around 50! Coconut Oil alone, has an SPF of 4, which blocks 75% of UV radiation. 75% protection is about 45 minutes of sun exposure. Although it\u2019s not entirely waterproof it\u2019s a great alternative for those in between surfs\/chill sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

So before you crack open one of these incredible fruits, take a second to appreciate the versatility that comes from a single type of tree. You never know, you might find yourself in a situation where the humble coconut saves your life! [contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’\/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’\/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’\/][\/contact-form]<\/p>\n