First of all, it is a good source of lumber for constructing the basic foundations of a sturdy and small bungalow or cottage house. Its wood can be made into furniture such as wooden benches, tables, and beds. Its fiber can be weaved into rope or a hammock. Its leaves can be piled and layered one on top of another, to create a roof and walls for the house. Its fruit is also just as versatile.
The coconut shells can be turned into a simple kitchen tool such as a cooking bowl, or into a biodegradable source of fuel, such as copra. Its meat can be eaten raw, cooked or combined with other ingredients to create a delicious meal. Its oil can be extracted as a source of cooking oil or food ingredient. It has been said by some medical expert that virgin coconut oil has medicinal properties.
The enormous amount of benefits that can be derived from coconut has not ended there. Now, public attention has been directed towards the additional health benefits of drinking coconut water. Last year, it has been told that pop icon and singer Madonna has been drinking lots of coconut water during her concert tours. This has shifted the limelight further to the potential benefits and investment profits that can be gained from coconut water. And it seems that the celebrity factor has added the potential for coconut water to become a popular sports drink - much the same way for cola and energy drinks.
According to a business research and consulting firm in New York, Beverage Marketing, market sales for coconut water is predicted to rise as much as $35 million dollars for this year. In fact, major companies such as Pepsi and Coca-cola have been moving in to acquire and merge with Brazilian companies producing coconut water drinks, such as Zico and One Natural Experience, respectively.
It seems then that the coconut plant has been opening a large share of the market for a multitude of products for end consumers - cosmetics, drugs, furniture, natural candles or natural wax candles, cooking oil or virgin oil, coconut juice, and now, coconut water. The possibilities are endless, and the same can be said for the booming coconut beverage industry.
