Coconut (How the Shy Fruit Shaped our World)

Coconuts have been around longer than Homo sapiens. Over centuries, they have been transformed into works of art, used in religious rituals, and regarded as symbols of wealth and prosperity.

They have saved lives, not only as a source of nourishment but also as a key component in the charcoal filters of First World War gas masks. Coconuts helped spark the mutiny on the Bounty and later played a role in saving the life of the man who would become the 35th President of the United States. From industrialists and bomb makers to physicians, silversmiths, smugglers, and snake charmers, the coconut has quietly influenced history in unexpected ways.

Today, coconut products line the shelves of supermarkets, health food stores, and beauty counters. In this fascinating exploration, Robin Laurance looks beyond the oils and wellness trends to uncover the surprising and often overlooked roles of the coconut palm and its fruit, past and present. The result is a rich cultural and historical portrait of a plant that continues to shape lives around the world.