The English dictionary defines fruit as a part of plant growth useful to man and animals. These fruits( lemon, orange, banana, carrots, tomatoes e.t.c.) are usually colourful, sweet and edible with various fragrance. They are known as a better part of a diet for their invigorating benefits to the human anatomy. Although, the type of fruits varies from places around the globe as a result of topography.
Have you ever come across a tropical fruit called headnut? You might be wondering; how it looks like and if, it is consumable. Well, the fact is, most of us are familiar with this fruit. It is a cherished one amongst the numerous types due to it’s benefits. Folks in the south-eastern part of Nigeria are fond of it.
The Headnut is a tropical kind of fruit that belongs to the palm tree family known as Arecaceae being the only type of the genus cocos. It can also be referred to as cocos nucifera, botanically. Generally, it is regarded as the nut of commerce aside cacao.
This nut, cocos nucifera has various role to play in many culture and religion around the globe. For instance, in some communities in Nigeria, it is a cultural practice or norm for the newly wedded bride to cleanse her feet at the threshold of the groom’s house with the liquid from cocos nucifera to wade off evil occurances from the past and in the future .
Being one of the essential crop from the tropic region, study shows that, the headnut may be sourced from indo-malaya. It is an annual fruit that produces lots of its kind ranging from twenty to a hundred whose shape may be either ovoid or ellipsoid when separated from the husk. The nut of commerce is enclosed in a thick fiberous husk and has three parts to it’s formation, that is, the liquid also known as the oily endosperm lies around the wall of the endocarp(shell) and with time solidify as the flesh or meat of cocos nucifera.
The advantages of this exotic drupe or fruit is so overwhelming. Such that, it can serve as an ingredient in the culinary: the of the headnut is dried then made into flour for baking while the milk can be also used as a recipe for yogurt for personal consumption. Health wise, the sap of the headnut can be used as sugar which is diabetic accommodating.
Apart from that, it enhances the immune system against viral, bacterial, fungal and parasite. It’s a source of energy and help guard the kidney from diseases. It serves as hair and skin conditioner, giving a radiant youthful look. It facilitate digestion and enhances the absorption of nutrients in to the body system.
The cocos nucifera liquid has electrolytes which assist in the prevention of dehydration and help muscles, nerve s perform efficiently. The water is a rich source for absorbic acid, vitamin b and protein. Also, the trace nutrients ( minerals; iron,zinc, selenium, magnesium and copper) helps maintain the thyroid performance and red blood cell production.
The Palm fronds are a source of finance. It is made into tiny sticks called broom that can be used in the house, stall
and offices. It also serve as a thatch for huts in the rural areas because it is readily available and easy to afford.
The endocarp ( shell) of this drupe can be used for artistic purpose. It can be crafted into different perspective, coloured and commercialized or kept in a personal art gallery.
In summary, The exotic tropical drupe is indeed a blessing to humanity from divinity. The word coco is from the old portuguese meaning head or skull. The three indentation located on it, is a lookalike of the human facial, hence, the headnut is used in place of coconut. It’s an innocuous edible fruit and medicinal in nature. The palm tree of coconut is highly profitable and and rich source of finance as no part of it is a waste.
