Replace expensive sports drinks, replenish lost nutrients, and rehydrate with nature’s ancient source of electrolytes… buko juice!
If you’re on a bike ride, a hot commute, or at the beach, a coconut tree or buko juice vendor is never too far away. Make your own by drinking straight from a coconut, or mix with ice for a fast, safe, healthy, and delicious elixir from the “Tree of Life.”
It is full of minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. In fact, buko juice was used intravenously, or taken through the veins, to treat blood loss for patients during World War 2.
Ancient mariners from the Philippines to Tahiti, and then later Spanish Galleons, brought coconuts with them to stay hydrated on long journeys. This is because the water inside stays sterile if undamaged – making it nature’s original “bottled water.”
It is known by many names in Asia. Drohanira is one of many Sanskrit words which means “attached fruit with water”, to Malay words Nyiur – similar to Niyog which is one of many coconut terms used in the Philippines. The ancient word Nyiur is said to be an indication of coconut’s origins in Southeast Asia.
Next time you need a hydration boost, go a step up from water or even bottled sugary drinks – for our very own ancient source of life-giving refreshment – buko juice!
Buko juice art
References
- PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic Science and Technology Programs. Coconut Industry Strategic Science and Technology Program.
- Hanilyn A. Hidalgo 2017 – Market Potential of Pasteurized Coconut Water in the Philippine Beverage Industry.
- Edward Chan and Craig R. Elevitch 2006 – Cocos nucifera (coconut) Arecaceae (palm family).
- Shamal N. Tuyekar et al 2021 – An Overview on Coconut Water: As A Multipurpose Nutrition.
- Daniel Zizumbo-Villarreal 1996 – History of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in Mexico: 1539–1810.
- Patil D.A. and S.B. Shisode 2019 – Common Names of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. Arecaceae): Some Indications on Its Nativity.