World Coconut Day on September 2nd recognizes the flavorful and aromatic nutrition the coconut brings to many products.
Biologically, the coconut is a seed, nut, and fruit all in one package. However, the term for a one-seeded fruit (nut) is “drupe.” Every part of the coconut is sourced from the water inside the shell to the outer husk. Its oil moisturizes our skin and improves the flavor of our food. The nutrient-rich ingredient is one superfood!
The coconut is full of anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. This nutrient-rich seed provides fiber, Vitamin B6, iron, and minerals.
Grown in tropical areas, the coconut also brings to mind yummy tropical drinks like the pina colada. We can use coconut milk to make ice cream, sauces, and soups.
In 1998, the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community declared World Coconut Day to bring awareness to the powerful nutrients and versatility of this superfood.
Crack open a coconut! Learn all the ways to cook with this plentiful nut (um, seed…fruit…drupe). See how many ways you can use the coconut. Will be the oil as a lip balm? Or will you use the milk for a sauce? This versatile ingredient calls for experimentation and adventure.
Share your celebrations using #WorldCoconutDay on social media.
July 10th recognizes a sweet, rum-based cocktail on National Pina Colada Day. Along with rum, a Pina Colada includes cream of coconut and pineapple juice and is usually served blended or shaken with ice.
Pina Colada means ‘strained pineapple,’ a reference to the freshly pressed and strained pineapple juice used in the drink.
While pineapple has been a part of the distillation history of rum, coconut didn’t show up until later. The first written reference to a pina colada was in 1922. However, two different claims to the invention of the pina colada in 1952 come from San Juan. Neither wavers from their story.
No matter who created the first creamy, sweet rum drink, it is forever infused with the ocean and beaches. The cocktail’s bright flavor suggests sunshine and vacation. Coconut alone makes us think of suntans while the pineapple’s freshness delivers a sparkling note of summer breezes.
The beverage isn’t the only way to celebrate either. The day is dedicated to all things pina colada. Whether we make a dessert or snack on pina colada jelly beans, everyone can join in the day.
Put on your sunglasses, kick back, and enjoy a sip or a taste. It’s the best way to celebrate.
Try a frozen popsicle treat or a pina colada cake. You do not have to be sitting on a beach or the deck of a cruise ship to celebrate this holiday. You can enjoy a nice tall, cool Pina Colada where ever you are! (Remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive!) Use #NationalPinaColadaDay to share on social media.
Summer starts in earnest on June 26th when National Coconut Day arrives! The coconut offers sweet support for our bodies in several ways.
Coconut oil alone falls into the superfood category due to its medium chain triglyceride (MCTs) content and all that they seem to do. Whether supporting a weight loss program, moisturizing skin, and hair or metabolizing into energy, coconut oil plays a significant role for your body.
We use the whole coconut in many different forms for our body and everyday cooking. From shredded coconut to milk, cream, water, and oil, each provides essential nutrients and flavor. Its anti-viral and anti-microbial properties are notable as well.
Coconut is rich in fiber, Vitamin B6, iron, and minerals like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. The oil from coconut moisturizes our skin and also help keep our skin clear and hair silky, too.
Of course, in the kitchen, we love coconut! Beyond baked goods, coconut infuses sweet flavor to our cooking, and because the MCTs in coconut oil don’t absorb in the body as fat, it is an ideal alternative to other oils and fats.
The flavor of coconut oil makes the best air-popped popcorn. Add coconut milk to your curry recipe and win rave reviews! Those who are lactose intolerant and craving ice cream know that coconut milk also makes an excellent substitute for creamy homemade ice cream. And of course, it’s not summer without a piña colada!
Beyond the fruit and water of the coconut that we consume, the husk and shells are used as a potting medium, carbon filtration, charcoal, bio-fuel, and even organic cat litter. The husks are also used to make coir, which is used in making mattresses, doormats, and more.
HISTORY
The Coconut Coalition of the Americas founded National Coconut Day to celebrate the mighty coconut and increase awareness of its benefits. It’s more than just a baking staple.
The Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA) was founded in 2017 when coconut industry stakeholders realized there needed to be one unified voice for the North American coconut trade. Industry members came together to steward the category and promote the facts about coconut oil and coconut products.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Enjoy the benefits of coconut and share your favorite ways to use coconut. Whether it’s a recipe to taste or one to make our skin or hair shine, we want to know.
Follow National Coconut Day by using #NationalCoconutDay on social media.
This food holiday National Chocolate Pudding Day is observed each year on June 26th. Chocolate pudding has been loved by children and adults for many years. Usually eaten as a snack or dessert, chocolate pudding is also used as a filling for chocolate creme pie.
Historically, chocolate pudding is a variation of chocolate custard, using starch as a thickener instead of eggs. The 1903 edition of Mary Harris Frazer’s Kentucky Receipt Book and the 1918 edition of Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking School Cook Book both have recipes for the earlier version, using both eggs and flour.
In 1934, General Foods (Jello) introduced chocolate pudding mix as “Walter Baker’s Dessert.”
In 1936, it was renamed “Pickle’s Pudding.”
Chocolate pudding is usually made with milk and sugar, flavored with chocolate and vanilla then thickened with flour or cornstarch. Some recipes do use eggs when making the pudding.
Chocolate pudding can be purchased ready-made and sold in grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations. The popular brands include Jell-O by the Kraft Foods Corporation and Snack Pack by Hunt’s.
Enjoy some delicious Chocolate Pudding as a dessert or as a snack. Try this homemade Chocolate Cornstarch Pudding recipe. Use #NationalChocolatePuddingDay on social media.
National Coconut Cream Pie Day on May 8th celebrates its own slice of deliciousness. This delicious pie is made with a sweet coconut cream filling. Pie lovers know a thick layer of real whipped cream topped with toasted coconut make this pie irresistible.
There are plenty of pie holidays on the National Day Calendar. In fact, every month includes at least one. The last pie holiday we celebrated was National Blueberry Pie Day, kicking off the blueberry season. However, unlike blueberries, coconut trees produce their fruit all year long. And the milk and meat are processed for canning and drying, making it easily accessible for year-round baking.
If you save your celebrating for the pie holidays, this is the only one in May. The next one doesn’t come along until June 9th on National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day, and for pie lovers, that’s a bit of a wait. Bake up a coconut cream pie. It won’t take long, and you won’t be disappointed.
Share your favorite recipes, too!
Share your slice using #CoconutCreamPieDay on social media.
