Yes, double coconuts, famously known as coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica), contain edible contents within their remarkably large and distinctive nuts. While they are indeed edible, their consumption is not widespread, primarily due to their extreme rarity and high value as collectible items and for traditional medicine.
What is a Double Coconut (Coco de Mer)?
The double coconut, or coco de mer, is a botanical marvel found exclusively in the Seychelles islands, particularly on Praslin and Curieuse. It produces the largest and heaviest seeds in the plant kingdom, often weighing over 15 kilograms (33 pounds). Its unique, bilobed shape has captivated explorers and naturalists for centuries, giving rise to many myths and legends.
Key Characteristics:
- Largest Seed: Holds the record for the largest and heaviest seed in the world.
- Endemic to Seychelles: Grows naturally only on a few islands in the Seychelles.
- Slow Growth: Palms can live for hundreds of years, but the nuts take approximately 6-7 years to mature on the tree and another two years to germinate.
- Distinctive Shape: Its iconic bilobed form resembles human buttocks, contributing to its mystique.
Edibility and Traditional Uses
The edible part of the coco de mer is the endosperm, which is the fleshy material found inside the nut. This internal flesh is palatable, though it is not widely consumed as a staple food or for its commercial food value.
Historically, the edible endosperm of Lodoicea maldivica has been prized for its medicinal properties. For centuries, it has been utilized in Chinese medicine as a remedy, particularly for treating ailments such as cough. Its rarity and the mystique surrounding it have contributed to its perceived value in traditional medical practices.
Why Are Coco de Mer So Rare and Valuable?
Double coconuts have commanded exceptionally high prices for centuries, not because of their culinary appeal, but primarily due to their extreme scarcity and the unique properties attributed to them.
- Scarcity: Native only to a small region in the Seychelles, the coco de mer population is limited, and its harvesting is strictly controlled and regulated by the Seychelles government to protect the species.
- Slow Maturation: The incredibly long time it takes for the nuts to mature and for the trees to grow contributes significantly to their rarity.
- Cultural Significance: Beyond its medicinal uses, the coco de mer holds immense cultural significance in the Seychelles and has been a prized collectible item globally, often exchanged as a luxury good or curiosity.
While the contents are edible, the commercial value of the nut itself as a collectible, a natural wonder, or a component in traditional medicine far outweighs its value as a common food commodity.
Comparing Coco de Mer to Common Coconuts
To better understand the double coconut's edible aspects, it's helpful to briefly compare it with the more ubiquitous common coconut (Cocos nucifera):
| Feature | Coco de Mer (Double Coconut) | Common Coconut (Cocos nucifera) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lodoicea maldivica | Cocos nucifera |
| Edible Part | Endosperm (flesh) | Flesh, water |
| Primary Use | Traditional medicine, collectible, rare fruit | Food, drink, oil, industrial products |
| Commercial Value | Extremely high (due to rarity, mystique, medicine) | High (as a widely cultivated food commodity) |
| Origin | Endemic to Seychelles | Widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide |
| Appearance | Large, bilobed, often weighs over 15 kg | Spherical/oval, typically 0.5-1.5 kg |
| Availability | Extremely rare, highly regulated | Abundant, readily available globally |
In summary, while the double coconut is edible, its primary significance and value do not stem from its role as a food source but rather from its extraordinary botanical status, rarity, and historical uses in medicine and as a highly prized collectible.
