Fruit classifications. But because nuts are defined as a “one-seeded fruit,” the coconut fits both descriptions. It’s used for its water, milk, oil, and tasty meat. Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe. Botanically, the coconut palm is not a tree since there is no bark, no branches, or secondary growth. Also, most people with tree nut allergies can safely consume coconut. Coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. When this is removed (which usually happens before coconuts reach the shops) you’ll see the next layer, which is the brown, fibrous mesocarp, or husk. A Manila dwarf coconut palm on the grounds of the Tropical Agriculture … When this is removed (which usually happens before coconuts reach the shops) you’ll see the next layer, which is the brown, fibrous mesocarp, or husk. This article reviews the…. All rights reserved. Well, botanically, coconut belongs to drupes, the kind of fruits that have an outer fleshy part that surrounds a single hardened shell with a seed or kernel inside. Coconuts are notoriously tricky to classify. Coconut is a seed because it is the reproductive part of the tree. However, a coconut is not a true nut. Coconut flour contains 7 grams of fiber and coconut meat has about ten grams of fiber in a half cup serving, however, no fiber is contained in coconut oil. - Coconut is a perennial plant that bears fruit continuously 12-13 times each year, for up to 60–70 years, yielding between 30 and 75 coconuts every year. The values and comments in this guideline are based on authentic coconut “water” (juice), without the addition of any permitted ingredients and/or additives, which exhibit the characteristic colour and flavour of the named “fruit”. A true nut, such as the acorn, are indehiscent or do not open at maturity to release its seeds. Some scientists like to refer to the coconut as a water dispersal fruit and seed. A coconut is a type of fruit known as a drupe — not a nut. The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. The outermost layer, which is typically smooth with a greenish color, is called the exocarp. To understand whether coconuts are fruits or nuts, it’s important to understand the differences... Coconut classification. The coconut is a fruit drupe because it has three layers, a skin or exocarp, a fleshy middle (in this case a husk) also called mesocarp and a hard woody shell that surrounds the seed called the endocarp. Is a Coconut a Fruit or Vegetable? Despite its name, coconut is not a nut but a type of fruit known as a drupe. Low in Calories. This article explains whether a coconut is a fruit and if it’s considered a tree nut allergen. Coconut oil is said to aid weight loss, but you may wonder whether there's any science to back up this claim. The coconut is actually a fibrous one-seeded drupe, which is a fruit category. The tender coconut contains pulp and the seed that has a sweet taste can be eaten as food. Coconut is often hailed as the ultimate health food. While the ins and outs of coconut classifications may put us non-botanists in a daze, it’s … Coconut water has a contact with the walls of the fruit and over time begins to turn into a solid form. Coconut growing regions are as far north as Hawaii and as far south as Madagascar. Today, the coconut is a monotypic with one species, nucifera. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, itchiness, stomach pain, shortness of breath, and even anaphylaxis. A drupe consists of 3 layers: - When intravenous (IV) solution was short in supply during WWII and the Vietnam War, doctors used coconut water as a substitute. He wrote about the “Indian nut” or “nut of India” after visiting India and Ceylon. Coconut fruit is a. Published: 11/19/2019. It is one of the most important crops in the tropics. They are ubiquitous in coastal tropical regions and are a cultural ico… One of the most common questions we are asked by patients with tree nut allergy is whether coconut is a fruit or a nut. Picture 1 Why A Coconut Is a Fruit Drupe. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut. Difference Between Fruits and Nuts Coconuts are classified as a fibrous one-seeded drupe. Coconut, fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), a tree of the palm family (Arecaceae). https://www.thisiscoco.com/is-the-coconut-a-nut-a-seed-or-a-fruit Botanically, the coconut is classified as a fruit--more specifically, it is a drupe. Learn about symptoms, risks, and treatment. Coconut flour contains 7 grams of fiber and coconut meat has about ten grams of fiber in a half cup serving, however, no fiber is contained in coconut oil. Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe. Though coconuts are technically tree nuts, they’re classified as a fruit. Here's the link: 1 decade ago. However, when using loose definitions, the coconut can be all three: a fruit, a nut, and a seed. Mangoes, olives, plums, almonds, peaches and cherries are some of the other drupes. However, plants can also be classified by their culinary uses. It's not fruit, it's actually a seed from the coconut tree. von Martius,) argue that the coconut is of New World origins, having migrated westward across the Pacific. This definition includes nuts, which are a type of closed seed (1). Technically, a tree nut is any fruit or nut that grows from a tree. Some people with a macadamia nut allergy may also react to coconut, although this is rare (6). In strictly botanical terms, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded dry drupe. Answer. It is a fruit because it is a fibrous one seeded drupe and coconut is a nut. Is Coconut a Fruit? Coconuts are a delicious, versatile fruit enjoyed all over the world. In contrast, tomatoes are botanically a fruit but have the mild, unsweet flavor of a vegetable (1). Coconut trees can grow nearly 100 feet tall and produce about 75 coconuts per year. If you choose to drink coconut water, you will be happy to know that it is quite low in carbs, calories, sugar, and nearly fat-free. We know all about the difference between coconut milk and cream but lately we’ve been hearing lots of people talk about coconut water and juice. The term "coconut" (or the archaic "cocoanut") can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which botanically is a drupe, not a nut. From a reproductive point of view, a seed has the “baby” plant inside, with two basic parts: the embryo root (hypocotyl) and the embryo leaves (epicotyl). In the coconut’s case, if you look at one end of the coconut, you’ll see three pores (also called eyes). This includes its ripened ovaries, seeds, and nearby tissues. Every bit of the coconut is used. Here are 10 ways that coconut oil can improve your health. Most people with tree nut allergies can safely eat coconut and its products without any symptoms of a reaction. Coconut is still technically considered a fruit, but the FDA grayed those lines. A coconut palm is a woody perennial monocotyledon with the trunk being the stem. This article explains what they are, what symptoms they cause and what you can do about it. Still, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional if you are concerned. A coconut, and all drupes, have three layers: the exocarp (outer layer), the mesocarp (fleshy middle layer), and the endocarp (hard, woody layer that surrounds the seed). As such, you may wonder how to categorize them — both biologically and from a culinary standpoint. And does it matter whether you buy it in a bottle, carton, can, or shell?The short answer is no, there is no real difference between coconut water and coconut juice. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The seeds in drupes are protected by outer layers known as the endocarp, mesocarp, and exocarp. This is a detailed article about coconut oil and its health benefits. However, they’re technically a type of tree nut. Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe. Drupes are more commonly called stone fruits. Coconut is considered a drupe, or a fruit with a hard covering over the seed. An emulsion forms from it, which then thickens, after which it hardens. The shell of the coconut fruit is used to make bird houses, bowls, cups, musical instruments, and souvenir heads.