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Jamaican Coconut
The Uses & Health Benefits Of The Versatile Fruit

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Jamaican Coconut TreeJamaican Coconut Tree

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Jamaican Coconut has many uses on the island, especially in our rich, cuisine. From being a key ingredient in our rice and peas to making some of our favourite snacks, you really can’t escape it here. But what we might not know of, are the many health benefits of Jamaican Coconut.

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The scientific name for this very versatile fruit is Cocos nucifera. It is believed the fruit was named coco by the Spanish, who thought the three indentations (eyes) on the coconut resembled that of a monkey. The word Nucifera is the Latin word that means 'nut-bearing'.

What Types of Coconut Trees Are Found In Jamaica?

So far, there are four identified types of coconut trees in Jamaica. There are two main types, the Maypan and the Malayan Dwarf and to a lesser extent, Jamaica Tall and Panama Tall. These lesser-known variations can be found in Alligator Pond, Manchester and Georgia, St. Mary respectively.

  • The Maypan - is a combination of the Malayan Dwarf and the Panama Tall. This combination makes it a tall disease-resistant tree, which grows nuts that are larger than that of the other varieties. The nut itself also holds more water and is usually green in colour. It was first used for commercial production in 1974.

  • The Malayan Dwarf - if you’ve ever seen a considerably short coconut tree, chances are, you saw a Malayan Dwarf, which I am sure you gathered from the name. The tree is usually between 10 - 20 metres in height. A fact I don’t think anyone is complaining about, as the nuts are that much easier to pick than it would have, had it been another variety of the fruit. The Malayan Dwarf is known for its orange skin and the fact that the water is sweeter than the other coconuts.

  • Jamaica Tall - is known for being a fast-growing coconut variety that produces up to 200 nuts per year! It can also live up to 80 years old. It is one of the taller varieties of the fruit tree, reaching up to 33 metres. This tree is easily identifiable by its trunk, which is swollen at the base, then gets smaller on its way up. The tree is known to be plagued with yellowing disease, so great care is taken when germinating and caring for this plant.

  • Panama Tall - also known as the Pacific Tall, this tree comes in at 30 metres. This tree even for its height is quite resistant to wind, making it perfect for those who live in areas often impacted by storms or in areas where the temperatures drop below 15 degrees celsius. The difference between the Jamaica tall and this variation is that the Panama tall has a more umbrella-shaped canopy as opposed to a rounded one.

Health Benefits Of Jamaican Coconut

There is something to be said about the traditional uses of coconut for medicinal purposes. A fact that scientists have now proven to be true. Using coconut water to “wash off your heart” is quite common in Jamaica.

Though not in the literal sense, it does improve cholesterol ratio and reduces the risk of developing heart diseases and atherosclerosis. This isn’t its only health benefit though. Here are a few others:

  • Kills Bacteria - coconut treats infections of the skin, throat,  lungs, gums and urinary tract, caused by bacteria.

  • Kills Fungi - it also aids in treating athlete’s foot, diaper rashes and various forms of ringworm.

  • Fights Viruses - Influenza, measles, hepatitis C and sexually transmitted illnesses, herpes and AIDS can also be treated by coconut.

  • A good source of electrolytes - this makes it great for rehydration as well as for recovering from a hangover.

  • Promotes calcium and magnesium absorption - this, in turn, protects the body against osteoporosis.

  • Supports skin health - helps in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and other skin conditions. It also prevents dry and flaking skin and sagging due to ageing.

  • Supports weight loss - coconut improves metabolism which promotes weight loss.

  • Promotes hair health - coconut is prominent in hair care as it leads to stronger, glossy, healthy hair free from breakage. It is often used in oils, steams, masks and shampoos for the hair.

Products Made From Coconut

  • Coconut Oil - is a great substitute for its fattier counterparts, vegetable and palm oil. Persons who are on a health journey or who would just rather lead a healthier lifestyle usually prefer to use coconut oil instead if they need to use oil at all.

  • Coconut Milk - is a very versatile ingredient, In Jamaica, there is hardly a dish that it won’t enhance. It is also a great substitute for those who seek to remove dairy from their diet.

  • Coconut Flour - very popular amongst those who want to remove wheat from their diet, coconut flour can be used to replace all-purpose in some cases. It is gluten-free and nut-free which makes it a safe option for anyone with either allergy.

  • Shredded Coconut - a very popular topping for pastries, ice creams and other desserts. It is also great as a breading agent for seafood as it not only holds it together, it adds sweetness without overpowering the other flavours of the meal. It is also a great accompaniment for your yoghurt, salads or trail mix.

  • Coconut Water - is a good source of electrolytes which makes it great for rehydration. It is naturally sweet which means it is excellent for those days when you want a ‘sweet’ drink on a diet.

  • Coconut Powder - is often used in soups and to thicken stews. In Jamaica, it is a popular substitute for actual coconut milk. What we do is, mix it in warm water and add it to our dishes.

  • Coconut Moisturiser (Hair and Body) - there are many products made from coconut for hair and skin care. There are creams, masks, oils, moisturizers, lotions, steams, conditioners and shampoos all used for hair and skin health.

  • Coconut Leaves - the leaves are used as the roof for shacks, roadside and beachside bars and eateries as well. It is one of the most identifiable traits of being on an island to most visitors.

Popular Jamaican Coconut Snacks

After you’ve drunk your coconut water, if you are in Jamaica, then the next step is to cut your coconut into halves cut a small ‘spoon’ from the skin of the coconut and use it to scoop out the jelly inside. Sometimes, especially if it is a dried coconut, the jelly has hardened, we will add sugar to it. I’m not sure why though since coconut is very sweet on its own.

So you see, there are many ways, healthy and otherwise to enjoy Jamaican Coconut. What is your favourite?

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References & Sources For Jamaican Coconut

  1. Coconut Powder | Global Resources Direct, https://www.globalresourcesdirect.com/product/coconut-powder/#:~:text=Uses,just%20add%20water%20and%20sweetener  
  2. Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-and-skin 
  3. Coconuts,  http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm/lectures/coconut.html 
  4. Jamaica Gleaner News - History of Jamaica's coconuts - Thursday | October 5, 2006, http://old.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20061005/eyes/eyes2.html

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