Kenneth M. Olsen, PhD, a plant evolutionary biologist at Washington University in St. Louis, who did extensive research on coconuts, discovered that there are two clearly differentiated populations of coconuts.

The research revealed a very strong possibility that the coconut was brought under cultivation in two separate locations, from the Pacific. Coconuts were likely to have been first cultivated on islands in Southeast Asia, meaning the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and perhaps the continent as well.

In the Indian Ocean, the likely centre of cultivation was the southern periphery of India, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives and the Laccadive Islands.

Today, coconuts are cultivated around the globe and have become increasingly popular for their flavour, culinary uses, and many potential health benefits. Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm, which is commonly used for its water, milk, oil, and tasty meat. The raw white meat inside a coconut is referred to as the kernel. It has a firm texture, is delicious and has a sweet flavour.

Cooking with coconut is just so versatile, while being flavoursome. This fruit is able to produce oil, meat, milk and cream – the cow of nature. The meals that you can produce can be sweet, spicy, savoury and even salty. This drupe or rather stone fruit is eaten by a third of the world’s population and is a very important staple ingredient and so darn delicious.

With such an array of coconut products now readily available in supermarkets and health food stores, you don’t have to live in tropical climates to enjoy the benefits.

Coconut oil – you can use instead of butter, use instead of oil for a stew, to make popcorn or even chocolate.

Coconut meat – The meat, which is the solid white fruit, can be eaten fresh, baked or dried and used in a variety of delicious sweet and savoury recipes such as braaing fish together with ginger, chilli, dhania and lemons.

Coconut milk & cream is so delicious in desserts and rich sauces, making for some lovely curry dishes, beverages and even soup.

A super cold and creamy dessert made wonderful with vanilla that matches so well with coconut. Coconut water is also fantastic with rice, or even fruit desserts.

Inspired by: https://source.wustl.edu/2011/06/deep-history-of-coconuts-decoded/

Sometimes the original, or literal, meaning of an apparently familiar French word comes as a surprise. For example, in French a canapé is literally a sofa.

Once upon a time, a chef created a new type of hors d’oeuvre by putting a savoury topping on a piece of bread, toast or pastry. The topping was thought to sit on the bread like a person sitting on a sofa, and so the snack came to be called a ‘canapé’.

When looking at food options for your wedding, why not look at inspiration on what appetisers and bites to serve?

Teamed with a celebratory glass of bubbles, canapés are simple yet beautiful enough for a lovely wedding celebration.

According to Granny Mouse General Manager, Sean Granger, “Canapés are very popular with our wedding couples, as this allows the guests to have a pre-dinner snack, whilst the couple are off having their pictures taken. We serve them both hot and cold, and have a vast selection for the couples to chose from.”

It’s very possible that canapés will most likely be the first thing your guests will have eaten since leaving home and will help keep the hunger at bay. All the more reason to make it delicately delicious, and just enough to leave them excited for the main banquet.

Canapés are a delightful option, not just for weddings but for all special occasions, be it a dinner party, a baby shower or even at afternoon tea, they can be served when friends pop in for a couple of glasses of wine or even if you want to serve up something different for that big sports game or family movie night. Their size also helps in social situations – being bite-size makes them that much easier to eat.

From Mediterranean style bruschetta’s to crostini’s, and when serving before a main meal, remember to allow for 2-3 servings per person, otherwise your guests will continue to devour and have no space for the main course. It’s better to have your guests wishing for more than feeling too full.