COCONUT : PART 5

The first coconut flower is usually established on the fifth year after transplanting, but it depend on the variety. 

There are early maturing varieties that we usually call it 'varietas genjah', 

They produce the inflorescence earlier than common coconut variety.

Coconut tree produces both of male and female flower on the same inflorescence.

Each cluster of flower consist  hundreds of flowers, but the  main flower on the cluster are male flower.

The female flowers on each cluster are about 15-25, and they appear at the base of the inflorescence.

The trees produce flower all year round.
The female flower is globular-shape like as marble.
Both of male and female flowers have yellow or beige color depend on the variety.
We can find the fallen male flowers under the tree every day.

The coconut inflorescence is wrapped by a sheath (spatha).
Here, the inflorescence or flower cluster is called 'mayang'.
Mayang is usually used on so many traditional ceremony, especially Javanese wedding ceremony.

WIKIPEDIA

The young and wrapped inflorescence is called 'manggar'.
The stalk of Manggar produce sweet liquid that it's called 'nira'.
Nira is the base material to make coconut sugar, alcohol and traditional drinks.

Wikipedia

Manggar is also used to make special Javanese dish called 'Gudeg Manggar'.

The young inflorescence is cooked for about 13-16 hours on the medium heat to get tender and a little bit fibrous-crunchy texture.

The taste of Gudeg Manggar is so exotic, so special.

Actually, this dish is only presented on the royal family, but right now we can find so many restaurants that present this dish.

Readers, I hope someday we all could taste this royal dish.

Next, we will talk about the  fruit.

Enjoy your day and have a wonderful weekend...