Other uses of coconut water– Autres usages de l'eau de coco

©R. Bourdeix, 2021, section CCWO.

For illustrating this section, we can produce on request at least one large size HD poster (up to 180x100 cm in size). These posters should be adapted to each country, on a case-by-case basis, in order to prominently feature locally produced coconut products, and to promote the marketing of these local products.

A sweet gelatinous delicacy, an in vitro culture medium for plants in tubes, vegetable leather, a fertilizer for orchids, here are some of the most surprising uses of coconut water...

Coconut water (94% water) contains growth promoting substances that can influence in vitro cultures including inorganic ions, amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, sugars, sugar alcohols, lipids, nitrogenous compounds and phytohormones. It is an important additive in the tissue culture media of several plants, including orchids and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.

Originating in the Philippines, nata de coco was invented in 1949 by Teódula Kalaw África, a Lipeña scientist graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, as an alternative to the traditional Filipino nata de piña made from pineapples. 



Nata de coco, also marketed as coconut gel, is a chewy, translucent, jelly-like food produced by the fermentation of coconut water, which gels through the production of microbial cellulose by a bacteria (Komagataeibacter xylinus). It is most commonly sweetened as a candy or dessert, and can accompany a variety of foods, including pickles, drinks, ice cream, puddings, and fruit cocktails.


Coconut leather is the latest eco fabric to hit the fashion scene for sustainable leather alternatives. India-based startup, Malai, have developed bacterial cellulose grown from leftover coconut water and successfully converted the biocomposite into a substance that resembles traditional leather.