Reader’s question Clara Frischeisen, Brasilia, DF
Illustrates Izzie Paschoal
Edition Felipe van Deursen
– (Izzie Paschoal/Strange World)
BABY FOOD
It is a process that if starts in the embryonic stage of coconut tree. Soon after fertilization, the future tree creates a food reserve for the embryo. In the first months of life, this food pantry is liquid
DELIVERY
The nutrition tissues (technical name of this food reserve) if lodge in a cavity inside of coconut developed for this. Nutrients are made up of water and mineral salts, which reach the cavity through of phloem, the part of vascular system that transports sap
GO WETTING
The nourishing fabrics go if multiplying in the cavity. With that, the liquid, rich in sugar and potassium, if accumulates until it can be consumed by mammals such as apes and humans
IT GOES DRYING
In five months, the coconut green and young has 400 ml of water, average. As the fruit ripens, the water dry and if transforms into the white and fleshy part, also changing the taste and concentration of mineral salts. In a year, the liquid is already completely dry
- The dwarf coconut tree (most used for consumption of water in coconut) starts producing coconuts after 3 years. It yields up to 200 fruits per year
Look at the coconut!
Shelf life of the fruit for consumption does not last more than one year
– (Izzie Paschoal/Strange World)