In Sulawesi, in addition to coconut milk, toasted coconut is a distinct ingredient in some of its dishes. In Sumatra, coconut milk (the liquid that comes from squeezing the grated meat) of a mature coconut is an important ingredient in many cuisines, including rendang, caramelized beef curry from West Sumatra gulai belacan, large shrimp cooked in Riau spices gulai ikan patin, curried catfish from Jambi and pendap, mackerel with herbs and spices wrapped in banana leaf from Bengkulu. The largest coconut producers over the years are the provinces of Riau in Sumatra, North Sulawesi and East Java. Where are the major areas of production, and what are some of the most popular cooking methods in these areas? Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of coconut. Research shows that cytokinins in coconut water have significant anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects. These enzymes help in digestion and metabolism. Clinical trials indicate the benefits of coconut for reducing the risk of chronic disease and treatment of numerous diseases such as diabetes, cancer, psoriasis, brain malfunction and high blood pressure.Ĭoconut water consists of simple sugar, electrolytes, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as cytokinin, and enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, peroxidase, and polymerases. It contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid that increases good HDL cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing blockages of blood vessels. Ibu Amanda, what are the nutritional benefits of coconut? What makes it a superfood?Ĭoconut ( Cocos nucifera) is high in energy, fibers, vitamins (C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6), and minerals (copper, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc). We’re now sipping es kelapa mudah (iced young coconut water) with Indonesia’s Ambassador to the World Food Travel Association Ibu Amanda Katili Niode, so she can crack open the coconut craze. So far in our Indonesian Superfoods series culinary experts have shed light on ‘new superfoods’ tempeh, jackfruit and cassava, which have long been Indonesian staples. Indonesia is the world’s biggest producer. There are now more than 50 coconut products and its derivatives traded widely across the globe – coconut oil, butter, flour, milk, water, flakes, vinegar, and sugar products have emerged from boutique health food stores to line the aisles of supermarkets.

The Western world has gone crazy for coconuts, which have been consumed and utilized in countless ways across equatorial regions for centuries. Posted: 06 March 2017 Category: Blog, News

Sumatra coconut