I’m currently reading an interesting book called, “Surviving Paradise,” about a young guy who teaches English for one year to the children of a very remote island in the Pacific. First discovered by the Spanish in 1529, “Ujae” is part of the Marshall Islands in Indonesia, and is barely a dot on the map, consisting of only 450 inhabitants.  The author, Peter Rudiak-Gould, tells his tale of life among the locals, with the tribulations of trying to fit in, learn the language and adapt to their fascinating, yet simple lifestyle.  While reading last night, I came across this passage, and was reminded of my favorite island treat…

My own fresh coconut at the Melia Caribe Tropical in Punta Cana.

“Then there was the coconut. I would be remiss in my duties as a writer of tropical island literature if I did not take this opportunity to describe the perfection that is this fruit.  Leaving aside the other uses of the coconut tree – the fronds, the bark, the wood, and the seedlings, without which life on coral atolls might well be impossible – coconut juice is a remarkable beverage. It comes in its own container. It is just the right amount to wash down a meal. It opens obligingly, at a thin part of the shell called the “eye,” making a drinking channel of perfect size. The juice is sweet but not excessively so, and the slight fizz adds a kick. It is nature’s soft drink…”

A lot has been said about the benefits of the coconut recently.  You can read about it everywhere… the milk, the oil, the uses seem to be endless.  I even have a friend who created the most amazing body salt scrub made with organic coconut oil  – it’s fantastic! Check out her web site and order your own at www.aplantbasedlife.com.

I truly enjoy and appreciate this remarkable fruit.  However, I should also mention my obsession with the tree that it comes from: The Palm.  Seeing them in groves, hovering high in the air, puts my soul to rest.  A little crazy, I know.  But it usually also means that a gorgeous, tropical beach is right nearby.  😉

Beach view at the Ocean Sand & Blue in Punta Cana.