Water coconut is also quite popular, not inferior to other types of coconuts, because it can be processed into many attractive drinks and especially desserts. So what is water coconut? What are its benefits and how to eat water coconut deliciously? Let the Kitchen Tips section help you find out right away.
1. What is nipa palm?
Nipa palm, also known as nipa, has the scientific name Nypa fruticans, belonging to the Arecaceae. It appeared around 70 million years ago, growing mostly in the southern regions of Asia and northern Australia.
The nipa palm has a trunk that grows horizontally underground, while the leaves and flower stalks tend to grow upwards. Therefore, nipa palm is not considered a woody plant even though its canopy can reach up to 9m high. Female flowers bloom in clusters, while male flowers are usually yellow or red, resembling a squirrel’s tail.
When the flowers are pollinated, small nipa fruits press against each other to develop and form a spherical cluster resembling a ball, with a diameter ranging from 25 to 30cm, located at the end of each stalk.
Dry (mature) nipa seeds will fall and disperse, thriving along the flowing water of tidal currents. Therefore, nipa palms often grow in muddy areas along coastal regions with fluctuating tides, riverbanks, and places where water flows slowly to deposit alluvial soil.
2. What are the benefits of nipa palm?
For a long time, the people living in Southeast Asia and the coastal regions of the South Pacific have considered the harvesting of nipa palm as one of the traditional occupations, even becoming a primary source of income. Specifically, nipa palm has two main uses that you should know:
Nipa palm leaves for roofing
In many localities in our southern region, people often use nipa palm leaves for roofing, making firewood for cooking, and creating baskets for kitchen work. For young nipa leaves, Filipinos also use them to make cigarette wrapping paper.
Sweet sap used to make alcohol
When the flower stalks of the nipa palm (also called the nipa flower) have not yet bloomed, the people of the Philippines tap the holes to collect the sweet sap, turning it into alcohol and beer due to its high sugar content. Furthermore, the locals also ferment this sweet sap to create a type of pure vinegar.
Additionally, the blooming flower petals of nipa palm can be used as tea, while the tender meat and coconut water are also enjoyed as refreshing drinks.
3. Where to buy nipa palm?
You can easily find nipa palm for sale at some markets, online platforms, and especially along the streets in Ho Chi Minh City and the southwestern provinces.
4. How much does nipa palm cost?
Each cluster of nipa palm weighs about 15kg, containing between 30 to 80 small fruits. As TasteVN updated until May 2021, nipa palm flesh costs about 100,000 – 160,000 VND/kg, or you can enjoy it as a drink consisting of both water and flesh for 15,000 – 25,000 VND/glass, depending on the seller.
5. How to eat nipa palm, what delicious dishes can be made with it?
Nipa palm, besides being eaten directly, can also be used to make many delicious snacks such as:
Nipa palm sweet soup
The method of making nipa palm sweet soup goes through several steps, but the flavor of the soup is unbeatable. The nipa flesh has a crunchy texture mixed with the rich taste of white beans and mung beans; you can add a bit of potato starch and seaweed to enhance the color and make the soup more appealing.
Water coconut jam
If you are familiar with dried coconut jam during Tet holidays, then now let’s showcase your skills by trying out water coconut jam! The jam piece is oval-shaped, cut in half, retaining its chewy aroma inside along with a crispy layer of crystallized sugar outside, which will surely make you addicted.
Caramelized water coconut
With caramelized water coconut, you can enjoy it with unsweetened fresh milk and shaved ice, or even use it to make Thai dessert.
The method to make caramelized water coconut is quite simple; you just need to take the flesh of the water coconut and mix it well with palm sugar (pounded), then let the mixture soak for about 1 hour. After that, pour the mixture into a pan and cook over low heat until nearly dry, then squeeze in a little lemon juice. Finally, quickly stir evenly and turn off the stove.
Iced water coconut with sugar
On hot sunny days, you should try a glass of iced water coconut with sugar to feel the refreshing sweetness of rock sugar, the fragrant hint of ginger, and pandan leaves mixed with the rich, crispy texture of coconut flesh.
The method to make iced water coconut with sugar also doesn’t take much time. First, you just need to boil water with rock sugar, pandan leaves, and sliced ginger. Then let the mixture cool and soak it in the water coconut flesh for about 30 – 60 minutes. Finally, add ice or chill it before serving.
With the above shares, I hope you have learned more about what water coconut is? Its benefits and how to eat water coconut deliciously!
*Compiled and referenced information from Wikipedia.
