As a local commodity, coconuts and their derivatives are not always the most lucrative farming options compared to others. The coconut market in Indonesia is far from optimized, even though it is a golden commodity with high commercial values. In all aspects, coconuts are one of the most valuable plants. Growing up to over 30 meters, every single inch of the tree, roots, and leaves to the fruit offer a wide array of uses. There are many coconut derivatives or coconut byproducts that are recommended as export commodities selling at high prices.
Coconut Derivatives and the Uses
Coconut Derivatives or coconut byproducts listed below are very popular in daily uses, many of which are commonly enjoyed around the globe. All the ways to use coconuts further prove the importance of coconut derivatives and why they hold such an enormous potential as promising export commodities:
1. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is one of the coconut derivatives extracted from the grated pulp of mature coconuts. Typically, the flesh of old coconut’s flesh is machine-grated or shredded with a certain amount of water. The mixture will then go through a filter process, leaving only liquid known as coconut milk. The coconut byproduct is one of the most famous local ingredients used by the market in South East Asia, Caribia, South Asia, and South America.
The famous coconut byproduct can be enjoyed in various forms, either in the original liquid form or as a milk alternative. In Brazil, coconut milk is often served as desserts and as complementary to seafood dishes. In Panama and Colombia, this coconut derivative is an essential ingredient in making a titole.
Considering the values of this coconut derivative, it is time that Indonesian agriculture encourages the farming of coconut and the derivatives to expand the economic potentials.
2. Coconut Cream
Another highly sought-after coconut derivative is coconut cream. Often regarded as the less popular or familiar coconut byproducts, more and more packaged coconut creams have sold well in minimarkets and supermarkets. Due to the savory and creamy taste, it’s no wonder that coconut cream is favored by many. This continues to prove the high value of coconut derivatives in general.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is among the coconut derivatives with valuable uses. Coconut water is the clear fluid inside young coconuts, a natural beverage that’s long known to the people residing in tropical areas, from the coasts of Brazil, India, the Pacifics, Caribbean, Africa to SouthEast Asia. The coconut derivative is more than just a thirst-quenching drink, but also has health benefits as electrolytes. Coconut water is also often used to treat dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting.
4. Coconut Cooking Oil
Edible cooking oil is one of the biggest export commodities within the list of all coconut derivatives. Sadly, Indonesia is yet to produce enough of it since palm oil still takes major focus. When comparing the two types of cooking oil, coconut cooking oil may offer even better benefits. This coconut byproduct offers healthy benefits when used in skincare and haircare routines.
Coconut cooking oil is still not as common and expensive due to the long process of making. There are 3 phases in producing coconut cooking oil, i.e the wet method, expression method, and solvent-extraction method.
5. Virgin Coconut Oil ( VCO)
Virgin coconut oil is a coconut derivative with high value and increasing demands in the export market. The distinctive image of VCO in the export market is due to its reputation as a healthy oil free of trans fatty acid and high lauric acid content. The natural composition of VCO makes it a coveted healthy product for many uses.
6. Dessicated Coconut
A coconut derivative, desiccated coconut is produced by shredding the coconut flesh or meat, then further processed in a hygienic facility resulting in dried flakes. Similar to other coconut derivatives such as coconut cream, coconut powder, coconut chips, toasted coconut and others, desiccated coconut is often used as a food ingredient including in desserts.
7. Coconut Flour
Made from dried, ground coconut flesh, coconut flour is a byproduct of coconut production. To pass the standard as food product, a certain hygiene standard must be fulfilled. Coconut flour is also used in bakeries, confectionery and pastry industries.
There are 2 types of coconut flour : low fat and high fat content. Generally, coconut flour with 60% fat content is categorized as high fat desiccated coconut.
8. Coconut Chips
A coconut byproduct, coconut chips is a coconut derivative made from dried coconut pulp. Using high temperature, the dried pulp is shredded into fine pieces of white colored coconut chips. Coconut chips is one of coconut derivatives with health benefits, ie. vitamins, omega fatty acid and minerals.
9. Coconut Coir
Coconut coir is a coconut byproduct from the production activities. Extracted from the outer husk of coconut and very fibrous, the coconut derivative is high in value and can be used in various products, such as floor mats, brushes, mattresses, ropes and more. In the agriculture industry, coconut coir is also used in the making of organic fertilizers. This coconut derivative is rich in nutrients and high minerals for plants. Additionally, coconut coir can be processed as briquette that’s environment friendly.
10. Coconut Fiber Rope
Coconut fiber rope is a coconut derivative from the fiber part or coconut coir. Fiber rope is commonly used as the main material in brooms or other handicrafts. This particular coconut byproduct requires a certain twisting mechanism or coir rope making machine.
11. Coconut Shell Charcoal
A coconut derivative with high potential as carbon active ingredient, the demand for coconut shell charcoal continues to hike. It can be used in different industries, from pharmaceuticals, food, cleaning products and skincare.
Coconut as a main commodity as well as all coconut derivatives holds significant economics values. As a leading coconut production company, PT. Natural Indococonut Organik serves a large export market through B2B system collaboration. We look out for the wellbeing of our farmers, ensuring mutual benefits and encouraging the growth of coconut as an export commodity on a global scale.