Coconuts in Koh Samui
Have you ever wondered about the Coconuts in Koh Samui. The palm tree has become synonymous as a symbol of Coconuts Koh Samui. It was only fairly recently that the coconut became the largest export from the island. Samui farmers gradually turned the island into a substantial coconut plantation. Coconut production was Samui’s main industry now second to tourism. Every month Samui supplies Bangkok with over two million coconuts. Harvested from approximately three million trees grown on the island. Each coconut can produce around 70 coconuts per year. That is a lot of nuts. Driving around Samui particularly the less-developed south and west coasts you will see towering piles of coconuts ready for processing. A passing pickup piled high with nuts generally has a monkey sitting on top. At the ferry ports, you will see waiting trucks queuing for their deliveries to the mainland.
Coconut for Food & Drink
Young coconut is called Maprao. Nothing is more refreshing or better hangover cure than an ice cold Maprao. Cut open the lid to reveal the soft white flesh drink your coconut eat the flesh. The coconuts are sterile on opening and full of electrolytes. In World War 2 and the Vietnam War coconuts were used as emergency plasma. Try some on salads and in cooking. Coconuts are thought to improve the immune system. Assisting in cancer prevention heart disease and other degenerative conditions.
Coconut milk is made by crushing the flesh and juice. Used as a base for Thai curries. As well as some soups blending well with spices and the heat of chillies. Coconut is used for substance and flavour in Thai sweets and desserts. The strange gelatinous candy known as garamear is sold at Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks Hua Ta & Hua Yai and most ferry terminals. All the markets have stalls selling delicious coconut ice cream. Served in half a coconut. Have it plain or a topping including a few unusual varieties a bargain from 40baht.
Farming & Monkey Care
Pig-tailed macaques are trained to harvest on the mainland. A family run school specifically designed in Surat Thani operating since 1957. The training methods are humane and trainers develop a strong bond with their scholars. Farmers enrol the monkeys for a 3-5 month course. Training includes how to twist and bite a coconut lose, tell a ripe from an unripe nut and how to load a pickup. Generating a good income, a valuable asset to their owners.
A well-trained monkey can harvest 1000 coconuts a day. Humans with a long stick and loop can probably only harvest about 100. In fact, local and international newspapers reported an incident in March 2009, when a monkey killed his owner. Throwing a well-aimed coconut at his head killing him instantly. Witnesses say the man didn’t treat the monkey well was not appreciative of his efforts to retrieve the prized fruit.
Coconuts in Koh Samui For Sustainable Living
Many resorts use palm fronds to roof their salas beach bars and even bungalows. Palms provide shade and relief from the tropical heat. Don’t forget those falling coconuts as you laze under a tree. Most resorts de-fruit their trees to avoid such accidents thus keep the monkeys in business too. Coconut wood is hard and used for buildings. Fibres and husks make ropes mattress stuffing and fire starters from the shell of the coconuts in Koh Samui.
Coconuts for Beauty & Health
For approximately 100 baht for 100ml, you can purchase cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. Ever wondered why most Thai women have such beautiful skin and hair? They use coconut oil as a hair mask as well as a skin moisturiser. Excellent for treating scar tissue and blemishes and good for mosquito bites too. Samui’s spas offer fantastic coconut treatments from the oils in massage to the fibres in body scrubs. Shampoo body bath and shower gels are popular coconut products.
Coconuts Island Life
Coconuts in Koh Samui, its trees and its products play a big part in island life. There is more to this tree than just swinging in a hammock between two sturdy palms. On that note always best to check there are no coconuts directly above your head when stringing up your hammock. A blow from a falling nut can kill. Apparently, 150 people worldwide suffer this fate annually. Samui is one of Thailand’s tourist hot spots with a difference to the larger island of Phuket. Unlike Phuket a written rule, no building may be taller than the nearest coconut palm. While the palms can grow quite tall it still keeps the skyscrapers away. You may see four-storey hotels but most resorts remain the bungalow type.
So many uses providing the most basic needs of both food and shelter. It is not often that something so healthy can be delicious too. Coconuts in Koh Samui keeps the local people sustainable and independent.