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Makapuno coconut, also known as solid-flesh coconut or creamy coconut, is a unique specialty found only in Tra Vinh. This type of coconut has a solid flesh, thick, soft, and richer-tasting coconut meat than regular coconuts, and its water is thick and clear like dew. Legend has it that this was a gift from Cambodian monks to a Khmer monk living in Tra Vinh.
Initially, waxy coconut trees were not widely cultivated, mainly by a few families for shade and as a treat for guests visiting from afar. However, the unique flavor of the waxy coconut captivated tourists visiting the Mekong Delta, and gradually, people began to cultivate them more for commercial purposes.
Waxy coconut trees are very picky about soil and can only be grown in Cau Ke district, Tra Vinh province. If waxy coconut trees are planted elsewhere, they will still survive but will not bear fruit.
The waxy coconut tree looks no different from a regular coconut tree; however, if you look closely, you can notice some differences between the two. The waxy coconut tree has darker leaves, a shorter trunk, and produces fewer fruits than a regular coconut tree.
The shell of a waxy coconut is usually dark in color, the coconut flesh is quite thick, creamy, and has a distinctive, appealing aroma. You can shake the coconut and use your ear to tell the difference between a good and a bad waxy coconut.
SOME WAYS TO ENJOY WAXY COCONUT
Eat fresh
Cut the coconut in half, use a spoon to scrape out the flesh, and eat it fresh without any processing or added ingredients. You will experience its fresh, fragrant, chewy, and sweet taste. However, many people say that eating waxy coconut fresh is difficult because the richness can quickly become tiresome.
Make smoothies
Scoop the coconut flesh into a blender, add some condensed milk and ice, then blend. Add some peanuts on top before serving. Note that you shouldn't add too much milk because the coconut is already very creamy. Blending with ice helps to balance the richness, making this drink very easy to enjoy.
Mix with sugar
Put some shredded coconut into a glass, add some thick coconut milk, then add sugar to taste and mix well. This dish tastes better when chilled. On hot days, there's nothing better than a spoonful of this refreshing and creamy coconut dessert.
Mix with other fruits
Choose your favorite fruits according to your taste: kiwi, strawberries, jackfruit, custard apple, etc., then cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Put the chopped fruits into a glass, add some sugar, milk, and shaved ice. Top with shredded coconut and a little syrup to finish.
