NATIONAL COCONUT DAY | JUNE 26
Summer starts in earnest on June 26th when National Coconut Day arrives! The coconut offers sweet support for our bodies in several ways.
#NationalCoconutDay
Coconut oil alone falls into the superfood category due to its medium-chain triglyceride (MCTs) content and all that they seem to do. Whether supporting a weight loss program, moisturizing skin, and hair or metabolizing into energy, coconut oil plays a significant role in your body.
We use the whole coconut in many different forms for our bodies and everyday cooking. From shredded coconut to milk, cream, water, and oil, each provides essential nutrients and flavor. Its anti-viral and anti-microbial properties are notable as well.
Coconut is rich in fiber, Vitamin B6, iron, and minerals like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. The oil from coconut moisturizes our skin and also helps keep our skin clear and hair silky, too.
Of course, in the kitchen, we love coconut! Beyond baked goods, coconut infuses sweet flavor to our cooking, and because the MCTs in coconut oil doesn’t absorb in the body as fat, it is an ideal alternative to other oils and fats.
The flavor of coconut oil makes the best air-popped popcorn. Add coconut milk to your curry recipe and win rave reviews! Those who are lactose intolerant and craving ice cream know that coconut milk also makes an excellent substitute for creamy homemade ice cream. And of course, it’s not summer without a piña colada!
Beyond the fruit and water of the coconut that we consume as food, consumers also use the husk and shells as a potting medium, carbon filtration, charcoal, bio-fuel, and even organic cat litter. Another use for the husks is the production of coir, which manufacturers use in making mattresses, doormats, and more.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL COCONUT DAY
Enjoy the benefits of coconut, and share your favorite ways to use it. Whether it’s a recipe to taste or one to make our skin or hair shine, we want to know. To get you started, here are a few recipes from the Coconut Coalition of the Americas and their members:
- Shrimp Quinoa Risotto with Baby Kale
- Spicy Black Bean Soup with Coconut Avocado “Cream”
- Coconut Walnut Energy Bites
- Perfect Piña colada
Other recipe sources:
Learn about the benefits of coconut by visiting the Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA). And use #NationalCoconutDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL COCONUT DAY HISTORY
The Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA) was founded in 2017 when coconut industry stakeholders realized there needed to be one unified voice for the North American coconut trade. Industry members came together to steward the category and promote the facts about coconut oil and coconut products. Follow National Coconut Day by using #NationalCoconutDay on social media.
In 2019, the Coconut Coalition of the Americas founded National Coconut Day to celebrate the mighty coconut and increase awareness of its benefits. It’s more than just a baking staple.
On June 24, 2019, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Coconut Day to be observed on June 26th annually.
June 26th Celebrated History
1884
Coney Island opens its first roller coaster.
1948
The New Yorker publishes the short story The Lottery by Shirley Jackson.
2000
Researchers release the first draft of the human genome.
2013
In the landmark case The United States vs. Windsor, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional.
June 26th Celebrated Birthdays
Abner Doubleday – 1819
Though mistakenly credited with inventing baseball, the Union major general served the entirety of the American Civil War. By the end of the war, Doubleday was promoted to the rank of colonel.
Pearl S. Buck – 1892
Pearl S. Buck became the first American woman to earn a Nobel Prize in literature for her novel The Good Earth. The prolific author wrote stories with a voice toward human and women’s rights.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias – 1911
The multi-sport athlete earned two medals at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, California. The first was for the javelin throw. She set a new world record in the 80-meter hurdles when Didrikson won her second gold medal. In 1947, Didrikson set her sights on professional golf. During her career, she would win 10 LPGA championships.
Dr. Bernard Harris – 1956
In 1995, the doctor of internal medicine became the first African American in space. He would fly a total of two missions during his career.
Derek Jeter – 1974
The 14-time All-Star played 20 seasons with the New York Yankees at shortstop. During his career, Jeter brought home 5 World Series Championships.