But coconuts aren’t all homicidal fat mongers. In fact, an interesting titbit of info to note is that the liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for blood plasma – bet you didn’t think you could ever have coconut blood coursing through your veins, did you? Well, I’m here telling you that it is possible. But that’s not the last of it – sure the other uses of coconuts are pretty mundane in comparison to their importance as life-saving super-drupes, but seeing as how every single part of this miracle fruit/nut/seed is a resource to us, you can bet that what they lack in the wow factor, they make up for in versatility.

To begin with, walk into my house and you’ll find heaps of coconut products; my trusty broom, for one – perfect for getting rid of unwanted muck (kidding, Bob). The fibre of the husk is used for all kinds of household goods, including mats, ropes, twine, fuel, coco peat, clothing and even filters. It does its job particularly well due to its resistance to salt water and overall toughness.

What’s more, the coconut fronds are often used by locals for thatched roofs, which they make themselves to shelter their houses. The hard shells can be cut, carved and polished to make all kinds of utensils and ornaments. Go visit any seaside souvenir shop and you’ll probably find some nifty coconut product that is WAY overpriced and yet too cute to resist.

And don’t get me started about the food! Coconut is used in all types of ways to make traditional meals and sweets, from deliciously spicy curries to mouth-watering coconut toffee. The possibilities are endless.

And what happens when the tree stops producing its wonder-fruit? Turn away to the next hot topic? Hell no! Once again the coconut tree offers its services to humanity in the form of its wood. Called porcupine wood (splinters?), this wood is used widely to make furniture and other products for our convenience.