When we think of circular agro-processing, we imagine producing value-added products from agricultural produce devoid of waste.
And there’s something magical about converting waste into value…
It generates new incomes and creates new possibilities.
And to this end, the coconut is exceptional.
Let’s take a deepdive into the world of coconuts.
COCONUTS
Most of us have enjoyed savoury coconut sauces in our food.
Some of us have used coconut oil for cooking or for beauty purposes.
But the coconut is more than just a nut.
It’s a phenomenon waiting to be unleashed and rediscovered in its entirety.
Coconuts hold so much wealth within themselves that we only manage to scratch the surface.
For instance, Kenya is a net importer of coconut oil, yet only a small fraction of the coconut crop is converted to oil.
Coconut oil could be extracted using various methods.
The most common one is heating the coconut milk until it separates into curds, oil, and water.
But nothing beats the cold press method of extracting coconut oil.
It involves fermenting coconut milk for a day or two before scooping off the curd/oil mixture for oil extraction.
Cold pressed coconut oil is also known as extra virgin coconut oil, which contains all the natural fatty acids and antioxidants required for healthy living.
Of key importance is lauric acid, which has some antimicrobial properties.
Cold pressed coconut oil fetches a good price making it one of the most sought after natural oil for cooking and cosmetics.
But it doesn’t stop there.
When coconut oil is combined with other natural oils like tallow, it produces a solid soap bar with a great foam.
Welcome to the world of soap making.
Coconut oil soaps are great with many types of skins and could also be seasoned with herbs due to their mild smell.
Coconut oil could also be combined with olive oil for hair care and other related products.
But even as we extract coconut oil, the coconut flesh could also be dried up and pulverised further into coconut flour.
Coconut flour is very useful in culinary applications like baking and cooking dishes like rice.
Coconut milk could also have its shelf life extended through storage in air tight containers for usage over time.
It could also be converted into powder for easy usage in cooking.
But we also have coconut water which we could drink or convert into something of greater value.
COCONUT VINEGAR
When chilled coconut water streams through our throats, we feel quenched.
But when it’s converted into coconut vinegar, we have a concoction of good microbes that are not only good for our gut but helps in blood sugar control and packed with nutrients.
Converting coconut water into vinegar involves patience.
The coconut water is allowed to sit for about a week when covered with a clothe.
This converts some of it into alcohol using natural occurring yes.
A little yeast could be added for this step to boost conversion.
After this episode, a bit of vinegar could be added to kick-start further chemical conversion of the alcohol into vinegar.
Thais could take some time but ultimately, coconut vinegar is the result.
Now remember that our intention is to have zero waste from the coconut.
So what do we do with the shells.
ACTOVATED CARBON
Coconut shells are some of the most natural occuring carbon- dense materials around.
So what if we take advantage of this through production of activated carbon via pyrolysis?
Pyrolysis is the exposure of organic substances to very high temperatures, above 400°C in the absence of oxygen.
This produces a charcoal-like substance called biochar which could undergo a further “activation” step.
Activation involves using agents like steam or chemicals like caustic potash to “punch” holes into the carbon material.
Activated carbon is extremely porous carbon with a very high surface area due to the pores.
Now, coconut shell carbon is unique because it is extensively used in the world of water filtration.
Coconut shell water filters are known to target common water pollutants like fluoride, metals, odours and volatile organics.
But we have not even talked about the coconut husks.
Coconut husks are fibres derived from the removal of the outer covering before uncovering the seed – which is what we call coconut.
These fibres have been used for diverse applications like making rugs and mats.
However, upon shaking them, the fibres release small fibre particulates which could be collected and used in agriculture.
This is the realm of cocopeat or coco coir.
Cocopeat is an excellent potting material used to grow seedlings and indoor plants.
It has just the right consistency and water retention capacity coupled with great aeration necessary for crop development.
Infact, quite a number of farm supply shops stock cocopeat for sale to farmers doing agroponics, greenhouse farming and seedlings.
IN CONCLUSION
The coconut is a magical agricultural produce.
Our journey towards enjoying its full benefits has just started.
But it needs not stop with coconut oil and milk.
It needs to move towards converting coconut waste into value.
That’s what the circular economy is all about.
