The controversy around the Coconut is establishing if it is a Fruit or a Nut. But despite the syllable Nut in the word, it is classified as a Fruit. This Tropical Fruit 'Par excellence' can be used entirely if you can get to it. For it is a tough Fruity Nut...

The fibrous husk of a Coconut is useful for many purposes. It does make Coir which you can find that it makes your Doormat most of the time.

Cut in half that wonderful shell can make a useful container for displaying food. It gives a tropical look to the Starter you can serve within it. There I would advise to think in a kind of Tropical manner. For example shelled cooked or Griddled King Prawns within a small Thai Coconut flavoured Curry or some deep fried battered King Prawn served within a Coconut for the guest to nibble upon with three other half shells of Coconut that can contain three different dips: Thai Green Coconut Sauce, a Sweet Chilli Sauce, and a Soy Sauce, Lime, Ginger and  chopped Chilli one. All served upon place mats made of Banana leaves.

 Banana Leaves. Useful as well to make parcels to cook something within.

Coconut shells can also be used to feed birds in the Garden. Fill them with Suet Fat or buy them already made and prepared to nurture your wildlife.

One of our Baby Starlings waiting for its turn on the Coconut, after the little Blue Tit has finished eating.

Now inside the shell there is the flesh but also the water of a Coconut which can be used. One of my enjoyable moments in my life was actually visiting Brixton Market in London with a Coconut in hand and drinking the juice of it with a straw. It was refreshingly delightful. But also I learnt that there were three dents looking like rounds upon a Coconut, distinctive which allowed you to pierce it more easily to access to its content. 

Coconut Water does contain Potassium but also Carbohydrate which is good for the body. It will not transform you into Wonder Woman but Coconut Water can be mixed with Lime Juice and Lemon Juice, a little Ginger, a drizzle of Honey and Mint leaves for a very nice Summer Drink.

It is always useful to have a Citrus Bowl at Home all year round.