Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Nuts are relatively low in vitamins and have highly variable amount of minerals,
particularly calcium. The one exception is chestnut, which has the highest level of
vitamin C. However, all the other nuts are much lower in both vitamins C and A
than fruits. They are about the same level or higher as fruits in terms of B vitamins
and iron. Nuts on the whole have higher levels of potassium and calcium, with pistachio
having a particularly high level of potassium, than many fruits.
6.9
COCONUT
Although coconut has nut in its name, it is not a nut and it does not grow on a true tree;
see Figures 6.1, 6.7, and 6.8.
6.9.1 Climatic Adaptation
The coconut palm is ubiquitous and flourishes throughout the low-elevation humid
tropics and is grown extensively in large plantations in South East Asia and the
Pacific. In these areas it is recognized as a source of all that people need. It is not
adapted to any other climate. Although it may grow in other areas, it will either not
produce or produce very small yields.
6.9.2 Importance in Human Nutrition
For people living in coconut-producing areas it supplies an important part of their
dietary needs. Although the coconut “water” and “meat” are often eaten only as a
snack or dessert, coconut oil is very important in cooking and is essential in food prep-
aration. It also provides calories in the diet. In addition to providing food in various
forms, young coconut, mature coconut, coconut water and milk, and alcoholic
beverages, the plant provides materials needed for shelter, fuel, and even clothing.
Coconut “Tree”
The coconut plant is more closely related to the grasses than trees. The coconut
trunk is composed of a hard bark outside and a center containing a bundle of
ropelike fibers. The trunk contains no true wood, although it can be cut into
planks that are used as beams in building houses and other structures in tropical
countries. However, during their productive life coconut trees are too valuable to
be used as lumber.
6.9.3 Plantings, Cultivation, and Long-Term Care
As with fruit and nut trees, coconut has several varieties including both tall and dwarf.
The dwarf varieties start bearing earlier and do not live as long. Because coconuts grow
to as much as 25 m tall (82 ft), dwarf varieties are desirable because the fruits are closer
to the ground and thus easier to harvest.
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