Coconuts and coconut water

Palma de coco – coconut palm, originally from Asia, has become a symbol of tropical landscapes. Coconut palm grows all year round and its fruits – coconuts are sold in Europe mostly like dark coconuts with a dried flesh and a with small amount of “coconut milk” inside.

However, in the Dominican Republic, you can find and buy at every corner coconuts in a slightly different form. Coconuts here are fresh – in a green skin, with a soft flesh and full of “aqua de coco” – coconut water. This very healthy fluid is full of vitamins and minerals and has diuretic effects on the kidneys. Furthermore it helps to purify blood from toxins. As the coconut is maturing, the flesh is getting dried, the coconut water decreases and change from transparent water to white “milk”.

But the true “coconut milk” is something else. The milk is obtained by pressing grated coconut pulp poured by hot water. If you then cook it with the cane sugar, you will get a delicious coconut cream.

The pulp of coconut called “copra” – which we know as grated coconut, is also used in the cosmetic industry. Its extract – coconut oil, has a soothing and hydrating effect and a natural UV factor. We can highly recommend you to buy the coconut oil – it smells good and even though it does not contain any chemicals, it will last for several months. It can also be used as bath hydrating oil. In addition – coconut palm leaves can be used to decorate interiors, coconut fibers to produce brooms, brushes, mats, and the coconut itself, you will see processed in various souvenirs and gifts.

If you want to please someone with an exotic and practical gift, we recommend to buy a very tasty coconut liqueur – Licor de coco, which is sold directly in the original coconut pack. After you finish the drink, you get a very delicious flesh soaked with rum.