World Coconut Day is annually observed on 2nd September
World Coconut Day is observed on September 2 to commemorate the formation of Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). The APCC is headquartered at Jakarta, Indonesia and all major coconut growing countries including India are members of APCC. On September 2, the world celebrates one of nature’s healthiest foods and promotes the uses and importance of Coconuts.
Coconuts are members of the drupe family, and it is a fleshy fruit that has been planting in tropical regions. A rich source of electrolytes and lauric acid, coconuts contain many antioxidants and antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral. They are produced in more than 80 countries around the world. India currently is the third largest coconut producer with Indonesia at the top.
Coconut, also known as ‘sri phal’ in Sanskrit and ‘nariyal’ in Hindi, is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. Interestingly, the term “coconut” may refer to the whole coconut palm including the edible part of the palm, which, botanically speaking, is a drupe instead of a nut, as opposed to the common use.
The plant’s name is derived from an old Portuguese word for “head” or “skull”, as the three easily identifiable indentations on the coconut shell resemble a face.
Some facts about Coconut
Often associated with sunshine and tropical sandy beaches because of their preference for sandy beaches with warm summer seasons and relatively milder winter seasons. They are grown across the whole pacific region but a major portion of the world’s coconut supply, about 75%, is produced by Indonesia, the Philippines and India combined.
The first observance of World Coconut Day took place in 2009, commemorating the creation of the APCC. Every year, the International Coconut Community sets a theme for World Coconut Day. In 2020, the theme was ‘Invest In Coconut To Save The World.’
