As temperatures soar in the coastal region, residents are seeking relief from the scorching heat, leading to a surge in demand for the refreshing and healthy drink of tender coconut. Mangaluru alone is witnessing the sale of 30,000 to 35,000 tender coconuts daily, as residents flock to quench their thirst.
The predominant supply of tender coconuts from Tamil Nadu aims to meet the escalating demand, resulting in an increase in prices. Presently, the average price of tender coconut ranges between Rs 40 to 45, with over 300 shops in the city catering to this demand. Watermelon is also experiencing high demand, with some vendors offering wholesale rates on footpaths.
Apart from tender coconut, there is a growing demand for sugarcane juice and fruit juice, evident from the long queues observed outside ice cream parlours as people seek refreshing beverages.
Traditionally sold by hawkers on footpaths, tender coconuts are now available even in malls, attracting the younger generation who are increasingly opting for healthier options over foreign soft drinks.
Technological advancements have revolutionized the process of cutting tender coconuts, with specialized equipment and electrically operated machines being employed for cutting and scraping. These machines ensure efficient cutting and scraping of tender coconuts into two halves after the water is consumed.
According to Dr. Devadas Shetty, tender coconut offers numerous health benefits, including prevention of dehydration, absence of harmful chemicals, treatment of stomach infections, provision of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes for energy, improvement of blood circulation, maintenance of kidney health due to high potassium content, and assistance in weight reduction owing to its low-fat content.
