Where are the latest coconut producing areas distributed?
The coconut is a tall tree-like plant of the genus Cocos in the palm family (Arecaceae). It is an important tropical woody oil crop with extremely high economic value. Every part of the whole plant has its uses and can produce different products, and it is fully utilized in different industries. In China, more than 2,000 years ago, the "Records of the Grand Historian" already recorded the coconut. Now let us take a look together at where coconuts are produced!
Where are coconuts produced?
Coconuts originated in Southeast Asia and from Indonesia to the Pacific Islands. They are mainly distributed across Asia, Africa and Latin America between 23°S and 23°N, with the most found in coastal areas near the equator. The main producing areas are the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other countries. In China, they are cultivated in the islands of southern Guangdong, the Leizhou Peninsula, Hainan, Taiwan, China and the tropical areas of southern Yunnan.
The producing environment of coconuts
Coconuts grow well where the annual average temperature is 26-27°C, the annual temperature difference is small, annual rainfall of 1300-2300 mm is evenly distributed, annual sunlight exceeds 2000 hours, and coastal areas below 50 m in elevation are most suitable. It is a light-loving tropical crop that grows and develops well under conditions of high temperature, abundant rain, sufficient sunlight and sea breezes. It is suitable for growing in low-elevation areas. The most suitable soils are marine alluvial soil and riverside alluvial soil, followed by sandy loam, then gravelly soil, with clay being the worst.
The cultivation value of coconuts
1. Nutritional value: Coconut water and coconut meat contain large amounts of protein, fructose, glucose, sucrose, fat, vitamin B1, vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium and so on, making it a delicious fruit suitable for all ages. In every 100 grams of coconut, the energy reaches more than 900 kilojoules, with 4 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat and 4 grams of dietary fiber. It also contains various trace elements, and its carbohydrate content is also very rich.
2. Medicinal value: The coconut is sweet and neutral in nature and enters the stomach, spleen and large intestine meridians. The flesh has the effects of tonifying deficiency and strengthening the body, benefiting qi and dispelling wind, and eliminating malnutrition and killing parasites. Eating it over time can make the face moist and glossy, boost one's strength and help one endure hunger, and it treats tapeworm and fasciolopsiasis in children. Coconut water has the effects of nourishing the body, clearing summer heat and quenching thirst, and mainly treats thirst caused by summer heat and thirst due to insufficient body fluids. Coconut shell oil treats ringworm and syphilitic sores.
3. Economic value: There are more than 360 kinds of comprehensive utilization products of coconut, giving it extremely high economic value. Every part of the whole plant has its uses. Coconuts can produce different products and are fully utilized in different industries, making them a unique renewable, green and environmentally friendly resource in tropical regions.