1 Picture 1 Story Week #77

This tree, which sways with the breeze on the seashore, gives fresh water to humans despite being close to salty water. There is not a single part of this tree that humans have not used to benefit themselves. So, this week's story is about this sweet fruit.

 
You all know that many travelers came to our country; among them was an Italian merchant and explorer, Marco Polo, and he saw many wonders here, especially a lot about South India. When he went back to his country, Italy, he told me that there are trees in India as tall as two-story houses in our country. And the fruit hanging on it is as big as a man's head.

Image mine

People did not believe it. How can a tree be so tall, and how is it possible to have a fruit as big as a man's head! People thought that he had gone crazy due to such a long journey and was talking nonsense. But he knew that his words were true because he had seen the coconut tree with his own eyes. And I have seen them and have looked at them with my head raised; you should also see them.

Many states of India do not have coconuts, but it must be accepted that the coconut tree is such a unique boon of nature that human society cannot describe its qualities enough. It is also not the case that the Indian subcontinent's association with coconut is a recent one.

I understand whatever Marco Polo had guessed was correct because there are three holes inside the coconut that look like a mouth which sure looks like a big head.

However, it is certain that coconut has always been present in Indian kitchens. Be it in the form of coconut milk, oil, or water. Needless to say, this coconut fruit is the basis of South Indian food. Many types of delicious dishes have been prepared there for centuries using coconut milk, oil, and water.

The house is built from coconut stem, the roof is covered with leaves, and the fruit is a multipurpose fruit. If the coconut is raw, then drink its water; ripe coconut is used in food, and then coconut oil is used for cooking and applying on hair and body. Ropes, doormats, bags, mats, etc., are made from its fibers. It is called coir. Its specialty is that it does not melt even in water; that is why its rope is used a lot for ships.

Coconut is found in every state of our country, but if there is any state that has given it its due respect, then it is the far southern state of Kerala. Coconut and banana are found in such abundance in this beautiful state, that you will find coconut in some form or another in almost every dish here. I used to wonder if the coconut was not available, what would these people eat?

And not just coconut; there are many stories associated with the dishes made from this fruit, which have their own charm. The name of the favorite dish made on special occasions, which is prepared by mixing coconut milk or grated coconut and all kinds of vegetables. An interesting story is also associated with breakfast of the states of South India, while the people of Kerala like to eat it for breakfast, which is made by mixing grated coconut and rice.

The coconut tree is also the source of a special type of local alcoholic drink because it's in palm family and used for making local alcoholic drink. This toddy comes in the category of ancient alcohol, and to make it, the bark of the coconut tree is cut, and a pot is tied on it. The juice dripping from the tree collects in that pot overnight. Then it is kept in the pot for the whole day and fermented.

Now I do not eat non-vegetarian food for sometime, but when I lived in South India, I knew that coconut paste and coconut oil were used to make 'fish curry.' and chicken curry is also fried in coconut oil, and coconut milk plays an important role in it. Today, you may find different special dishes in any South Indian restaurant in our country, but you will definitely find delicious coconut chutney in all places.

While coconut oil is used for cooking in Kerala, in other states its oil is applied to the hair. It is considered beneficial for hair. Coconut kernel is beneficial for stomach problems.

Everyone is invited to join this contest by @suboohi and I invite @mdpolasmia, @itikna09 and @goodybest to take part in 1 Picture 1 Story Week #77