5 Things you would want to know about “World Coconut Day.”

Before I begin, first let me ask you, did you even know that something like this exists? Well, I didn’t. The other day I was researching something on the Internet and I came across the term “World Coconut Day” which is observed every year on the 2nd of September. I couldn’t stop myself from researching it and I came across some interesting facts so I thought of letting’s just share it with others as well. Hence you are reading this right now.

So you must be thinking What is world coconut day? And why do we celebrate it? I will explain everything in detail. So shall we begin?

Here are the 5 things that you surely would want to know about “World Coconut Day”

1. When and why do we celebrate this day? : World coconut day is observed every year on the 2nd of September. to commemorate the formation of the Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). This day is celebrated in major coconut-producing countries, and India is one of them. The community headquarter is in Jakarta. And this day is specially dedicated to celebrating coconut production in the country, which provides jobs to many people and takes care of their health with the goodness of minerals.

2. From when it is decided that 2nd September will be celebrated as The World Coconut Day?” So this decision was taken in 2009. With the intention to promote the activities of coconut growers while raising awareness about the fruit for that outside of the growing community. All the major coconut-producing countries take a part in the celebration and celebrate this day by raising awareness campaigns about the fruit and its benefits.

3. How do we celebrate this day?: On this day major coconut-producing countries arrange different programs which include awareness regarding the fruit and its benefits or teach children how coconut production works. Basically, the motive is about raising awareness around the globe about coconut production and its benefits.

4. How did the fruit gets its name? : Now we know everything about this day, let’s talk about the fruit for which this day is celebrated. Do you know did the fruit got its name? According to a blog by “Down to earth website”- “Have you ever wondered where this fruit got its name? If you de-husk a coconut, you will find three indentations on the surface. Almost like a human face.

Now, it is said that when the Spanish and Portuguese saw these three indentations, they reminded them of a witch or bogeyman from the folklore of their native lands. The mythical character was called Coco. And so, it turns out that “coconut” — the word in English — has its roots in ancient Iberian folklore.” If you google a little bit about it you will get to know this story. However, this fruit is called by various names in India a few of them are “Naral, Shahala, Nariyal, Narkel, Nariyer, Khobra, Kobbari, Tenkai, Nalikeram, etc.” Isn’t it funny one fruit, has different names?

5. Why coconut is called the healthiest and how can you consume it?: Now you can use coconut differently. Yet taking fresh water out of it is the healthiest way to consume it as it has all the minerals in the most natural form. So consume it directly from the coconut rather than taking it from any glass or anything. Also, dry and wet coconut is also an ingredient that you will find in every household. We use it to make gravies and garnish our Pohas and Upmas, We use it to make delicious chutneys too. Coconut water is extremely great for your skin. It has large amounts of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), a type of saturated fat that is much easier for the human body to digest than animal fats. It is extremely rich in copper, selenium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Moreover, the fat content it has is actually good fat which will help your body function better.

So are you feeling like sipping cold and sweet coconut water? Because I am. If you found this article interesting and useful, let us know in the comments below. We would love to share so many interesting facts, stories and point of view with you.

- Niharika Pole Sarwate