Crop Chronicles

All About Coconut

Sustainably produced coconuts are a foundational crop at Silk Grass Farms, where we turn them into delicious, high-quality products.

  • Silk Grass Farms uses sustainable farming practices for coconut production, and all coconuts are grown without harmful herbicides and pesticides

  • Silk Grass Farms uses advanced processing methods, including hyperfiltration and IceGen cooling

  • High-quality coconut products, including coconut water and coconut oil, are created at Silk Grass Farms

Coconuts are one of the most versatile and useful fruits on the planet, offering a range of benefits from culinary to medicinal. From the sweet water found within their shells to the oil extracted from their flesh, coconuts have been utilized by humans for thousands of years in a variety of ways.

Coconuts have been a staple in Belizean culture since they were introduced to the Caribbean by early settlers who brought the fruit from Africa and the coast of the Indian Ocean. Today, the coconut industry provides direct work and income to thousands of Belizean residents in a variety of roles, from planting and harvesting to processing and sales. Valued at $13 million a year, the coconut industry is a vital part of Belize's economy, with coconut oil alone contributing $5 million annually.

How We Sustainably Grow and Process Coconut at Silk Grass Farms

Conventional coconut production can have a detrimental impact on the environment because of harmful chemicals that are often used. That's why Silk Grass Farms is committed to regenerative farming practices that promote sustainable coconut production.

Our coconuts are grown on 1,000 acres of land without the use of herbicides and pesticides. To ensure the highest standards of food safety, we use the advanced processing methods of hyperfiltration and IceGen cooling to create our Silk Grass Farms coconut products.

This process removes the husk from the coconut to extract coconut water.

Our Coconut Products

Silk Grass Farms has the capacity to make a wide range of coconut products, including whole coconuts, coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut puree, and coconut flour. Not only are these products delicious, but they also offer a host of health benefits and are useful as ingredients in many different food and personal-care products.

Unlike many other carb-rich fruits, coconuts contain large amounts of fat, and also offer protein, key minerals, and B vitamins. Coconuts can have antibacterial effects, promote blood sugar regulation, support bone health, and contain powerful antioxidants.

Our coconut water is a natural isotonic drink that is low in calories and high in potassium, and our coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and is used to treat a variety of health issues.

Beyond the Farm: Uses of Coconut

Coconut is an integral part of Belizean cuisine, adding a unique flavor and texture to many traditional dishes. One of the most famous of these dishes is rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, a staple that is enjoyed across the country. Coconut is also used in a variety of other traditional recipes, such as Hudut, Creole bread, Johnny cake, Tablata, and coconut fudge. Coconut milk and water are also used to create a range of specialty coconut drinks that are popular throughout Belize.

Beyond food and drink, coconuts have myriad other uses. The coconut shell, for example, creates the highest-value biochar in the world and is a principal component in industrial activated charcoal. Coconut coir, which is processed from the husks, is a growing medium that is part of a booming market for carbon-positive alternatives to peat. Additionally, different parts of the coconut palm can be used for fuel, shelter, animal feed, ropes, carpets, brushes, and roof thatch.

At Silk Grass Farms, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by the beauty and abundance of coconut groves every day. We consider it our duty and pleasure to nurture these useful and generous plants with care and respect.

This coconut meat will soon be extracted to create our 100% pure cold-pressed coconut products.