Young Coconut
Estimated Inventory, 9 ct : 4.11
This item was last sold on : 12/22/24
Description/Taste
Young coconuts, also known as ma-prao orn, are encased with a uniquely shaped ivory shell. The Young coconut is harvested directly from the tree before it has time to age and drop like the more mature white and brown husked coconuts. Inside is a refreshing juice and a soft jelly-like meat. This white coconut meat offers a sweet flavor that is soft enough to be eaten with a spoon.
Seasons/Availability
Young coconuts are available year-round.
Nutritional Value
Young coconuts provide a source of calcium, carbohydrates, a trace of iron and dietary fiber. The water in this coconut is very high in electrolytes. One average coconut contains about 140 calories. Saturated fat is present in coconut meat, a rarity for fruits and vegetables.
Applications
Young coconuts are especially ideal for making desserts. They can be used to flavor a variety of baked goods, ice cream, pies, sorbets and beverages. Flavor frosting for cakes and cookies. Make a colorful sweet topping for baked goods and confections. The fresh coconut water can be slightly frozen where the juice will turn to ice and can be eaten like a sorbet. Blend coconut water and flesh to make a smoothie or a base for soups. For flavor variation, add avocado, dates, figs, carob powder or maple syrup. To store, always refrigerate.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In India, coconut meat is said to be especially beneficial for pregnant women and new mothers. In Sanskrit, this palm tree is called, "kalpa vriksha", meaning the "tree which provides all the necessities of life". In Brazil, the word "coco" refers to the fruit of all the varieties of the coconut palm. In Bahia, the coconut is considered one of the region's holy trinity of ingredients, joining malagueta pepper and palm oil. In Thailand, the coconut is the country’s most important crop and the Thais use every part of the coconut tree – from using the green husk for fertilizer, to shaping the hard shells into bowls, spoons and ladles, and even using old dried-out coconuts for floats to teach young children to swim.
Geography/History
In the Philippines, "buko" is the term for "young coconut". These coconuts are harvested before they reach maturity and the grated buko is soaked in the water of the Young coconut to make a special buko juice. Another unusual coconut is the macapuno that grows in the Philippines. The cavity is not filled with the usual liquid but rather is full of a gelatinous flesh that is also eaten with a spoon. Called Nam Hom, Thailand is a major producer and exporter.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Chef Taylor Dennis LLC | San Diego CA | 512-470-9323 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
| Culinary Concepts | San Diego CA | 619-865-1918 |
| Optimum Health Institute of San Diego | Lemon Grove CA | 619-589-4022 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Red O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Young Coconut. One
is easiest, three is harder.
