Coconuts are important tropical oil crops and fruits with a wide range of uses. With the rapid development of coconut processing technology and logistics, coconut and its products have become common foods in supermarkets, favored by consumers, and the consumption is also increasing. As a consumer, how to scientifically understand coconut and related products? Read the article ↓
There are many types of coconuts and their products
Coconut is the fruit of the palm family Coconut plant, with three layers of peel, outer , middle and inner peel, mainly produced in the southern Guangdong Islands and Leizhou Peninsula, Hainan and southern Yunnan and other regions. There are many varieties of coconut, and the common varieties on the market are green coconut, red coconut and golden coconut. The outer peel of coconut is thin, the mesocarp is thick fibrous, and the endocarp is woody and hard. The fruit cavity is rich in coconut meat (solid endosperm) and coconut water (liquid endosperm).
coconut meat
01
Coconut meat is rich in nutrition, high in fatty acids and protein, containing vitamin B1, vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium and other nutrients. There are mature coconut meat and unripe coconut meat. Mature coconut meat is hard and can be made into copra, coconut milk powder, coconut protein, coconut water, coconut paste and colorless coconut oil and other products; Unripe coconut meat can be eaten directly.
02
Coconut water
Coconut water is mainly derived from the tender fruit of the coconut (also called coconut green). Coconut water is a natural plant water formed by coconuts storing nutrients into the fruit in the form of liquid endosperm. The color is basically close to transparent, of which the content of water is about 94%, the rest is soluble sugar, minerals and a small amount of fat and protein, low energy, refreshing and sweet taste, is a natural electrolyte drink.
In addition, coconut can also be processed into pre-packaged coconut water, coconut milk, and other products. Coconut water is a beverage made by processing coconut meat, water and white sugar as the main ingredients; Coconut milk refers to raw coconut water, which is a mixture obtained by mixing coconut water and ripe coconut meat, breaking it and then filtering it.
Shop for coconut in five steps
Take a look at the colors
The color of the coconut's appearance can reflect its ripeness. Depending on the variety, unripe coconuts come in colors such as red, yellow, and green. Fully ripe coconut with dry, brown peel.
Second, check the appearance
Choose coconuts that are complete in appearance and free of breakage, cracks or mildew.
Three smells
Fresh coconut will give off a faint coconut aroma. If you smell sour, musty or other odors, the coconut is not fresh and do not buy it. It is not recommended to buy coconut with an open mouth, as coconut water is very easy to multiply microorganisms when exposed to air.
Four weights
For the same size coconut, the heavier the better. The thickness of coconut skin is similar, and heavier coconuts indicate that they contain more water.
5. Listen to the sound of water
Hold the coconut in your hand and listen to the sound while shaking. Fresh, well-hydrated coconuts can feel the flow of liquid when shaken, and the sound of water cannot be heard. If you hear the sound of water, it may be that the young coconut has been sitting for too long or that it is an old coconut.
Scientific food and smart storage
Eat in moderation and delicious
Fresh coconut water is colorless, nearly transparent, with natural fragrance and sweetness, high potassium content, people who need to limit potassium can not drink too much coconut water. Coconut water, coconut milk, coconut meat and other fat or sugar content is high, pay attention to control the amount of drinking or consumption.
Scientific storage is safer
Coconut is rich in nutrients and is prone to spoilage if not properly preserved. Fresh coconuts that have neither peeled nor opened, because of the protection of the outer skin, the shelf life is relatively longer, according to the variety and maturity, room temperature can be stored for 10-25 days, refrigeration at about 4 °C can be stored for about one month; Easy to open coconut green can be stored for 3-5 days at room temperature, and refrigerated at about 4 °C can be stored for one week; Pre-opening coconuts must be refrigerated at around 4°C and consumed as soon as possible.
Pre-packaged coconut water, coconut water, coconut milk and other products are generally sealed sterilized packaging, which can be stored according to the requirements of the label. Once opened, it needs to be closed, and refrigerated at about 4 ° C, and drank as soon as possible.
Expert author
Minmin Tang is an associate researcher at the Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Zhang Fan is a professor at Hainan Medical College
Ma Guansheng is a professor and dean of the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University
Fan Zhihong is a professor at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University
Editor: Xu Yuelin
Source: China Society of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Market Regulation WeChat public account
Image: Figureworm Creative
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