"National Coconut Day"

On the island of Barbados a coconut tree can be found just about anywhere. These towering trees bear a head of large pinnate leaves with a slender trunk.
The origins of the coconut tree are debatable, but the tree has been thought to have spread to the East and West by way of its floating fruit. 
 
The coconut is a very versatile fruit and has many nutritional properties associated with it, here are just a few of them:

Coconut water is very good for kidney and bladder infections
Coconut water builds and strengthens the immune system
Coconut milk helps sore throat and relieves stomach ulcer
Cocnut oil is excellent for facial massages and aids in scalp and hair repair

 
We locals truly enjoy all the many products that are derived from this tree, such as,

Coconut water - A refrehing drink, naturally healthy for you
Coconut jelly - The meat which some use straight from the shell or the solid endosperm is grated and used to prepare a variety of local "Bajan sweets" like coconut bread or "sweet bread",  ice-cream and sugar cakes..
Coconut shells -  Can be used as bowls and in the manufacture of various crafts products, including buttons, door mats and brushes.

Please do always remember don't sit or lay under a tree that is full of coconuts, they do fall and that can be very dangerous.