Finding that coconut water contains more electrolytes and nutrients in its natural form than a lot of formulated sports drinks has ignited a frenzy of interest in the development of a new, natural sports recovery drink. Coconut water has long been a popular drink in the tropics, especially in Tropical Asia and the Caribbean, where it is usually available fresh or bottled.

photo credit: BlueBec

Coconut water consists of the clear liquid inside young coconuts (the fruits of the coconut palm). This is much different to coconut milk. As the coconut matures, the water of the young coconut is gradually replaced inside by coconut meat and air. It’s this meat that is turned into coconut milk. A young coconut has almost no meat, and this meat is very soft, almost like a gel. It is naturally fat-free and low in food energy which is high potassium and mineral content (16.7 calories or 70 kilojoules per 100 grams).

People prefer all different flavors of coconut water but usually green coconuts with some age spots are the most popular. Depending on what part of the world the coconuts come from also effects the taste of the fruit. Brazilian coconuts tend to have a sweeter water and flesh whereas Indian coconuts tend to be more salty.

Source: Pandalai, K. M. (1958). Coconut water and its uses. Coconut Bull. 12, No. 5, 167-17 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_water

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