The coconuts available in this country are only part of the coconut fruit. These layers surround the hard dark-brown shell, which encases the coconut seed. The coconut has been described as 'one of Nature's greatest gifts to man' because almost every part of the tree is used in some way. In the early days of margarine manufacture, it was one of the major raw materials, as it was considerably cheaper than animal fats. It is still widely used to make soap and cosmetics.
Dessicated coconut is produced by shredding the dried endosperm.
Other uses of the coconut range from the production of an alcoholic drink to building materials. By tapping the unopened inflorescence, a sugary sap called toddy is collected. This can be drunk as it is, or fermented and then distilled to produce the fiery spirit, arrack. The fibrous coir removed from the husks of the coconut is used to make ropes, nets, mats and brushes and is particularly useful as it is resistant to water. Coir waste is now being used in horticultural composts.