I’ve written previously about the many uses for the amazing coconut. It seems like I learn about another one every couple of months or so. My previous discovery, which was really just news to me and not anyone living in the Philippines, was the benefits of coconut water for replenishment. I’ll tell you, that industry has really taken off here, but that’s another story.
No, this time I come across Coconut Nectar, which is being touted as a low glycemic alternative to Agave Nectar. Agave nectar has gained quite a following lately, also, because of it’s nice combination of sweetness and low glycemic hit. Little did I know of the possible negative aspects of it, as always seems to be the case with anything sounding too good to be true. Honestly I don’t know what people should eat sometimes, as it seems everything has it’s objectors and nay sayers.
I really just started out to see if agave nectar was available in the Philippines. I figured it might be, but hard to find and expensive. That’s when I stumbled upon the coconut nectar, and it’s comparison to agave nectar. Coconut nectar has an even lower glycemic index rating, and according to the information provided is much healthier than agave nectar as it does not result in a high fructose based product.
Health Secrets of Coconut Nectar:
When the coconut tree is tapped, it produces a naturally sweet, nutrient-rich “sap” that exudes from the coconut blossoms. This sap is very low glycemic and contains 17 amino acids, minerals, Vitamin C, broad-spectrum B vitamins, and has a nearly neutral pH.
Small batches ensure that this pure, low glycemic nectar, made from this natural sap, is a raw, enzymatically alive product, minimally evaporated at low temperatures (only to remove excess moisture and allow sap to thicken), never exceeding an average summer day in the tropics.
I found some locally at the nearby health food store. That in itself was amazing to me. I have not tried it yet. It appears that it should be able to be used for the same applications as agave nectar. That’s my plan at least. The upside of all of this, in addition to the possible health benefits, is that I should be able to find this in the Philippines. I know that coconut sugar is available there and this is basically what is used to make that sugar.
The brand I found locally was Raw Coconut Nectar by Coconut Secret. It’s one of the few products I’ve seen here that said, “Product of the Philippines”. It’s 100% pure coconut tree sap, or nectar. It was approximately the same cost as the agave nectar, maybe a bit more. Not really cheap, either one of them.
I may need to search a little but I’m hopeful that I’ll find a source in the Philippines for the coconut nectar, amusing of course that I like. I can’t see why I wouldn’t though.
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Jun 02, 2011 @ 06:06:02
Seems, Coconut Nectar is the same with Coco Honey all from coconut blossoms. Anyway, it may be a coco nectar, syrup, or honey is essential to our health and safer to use. You are right that the uses of coconut is truly amazing. In the Philippines, Coconut is the “Tree of Life”. What a commendable article!
Jun 02, 2011 @ 08:08:50
Thanks for the information, Juvy.
As what I can gather coconut honey is generally heated, and “raw” coconut nectar is not. The terms are possibly interchanged and the product is basically the same, other than the “raw” aspect.
I am truly amazed by this Tree of Life.
Jun 10, 2011 @ 01:21:07
Both “coconut nectar” and “coconut honey” refers to a syrup made from the fresh sap of the coconut’s inflorescence.
The process of turning the sap into syrup requires heat so, despite whatever the seller tells you, it can never be categorized as raw food. Maybe next time you can ask them to explain how their process turns sap into syrup without heat, because only bees can do that (enzymes in their stomach lining) and there is no known analog for it.
The syrup/hectar/honey is an intermediate stage before crystallization, where you get coconut sugar crystals instead of syrup.
The most appropriate term for this food product is either syrup or treacle. Not, too many people know what treacle is, hence syrup is a more popular term. In an effort to differentiate their products, many producers try to label them as nectar or honey, neither of which is accurate.
Jun 10, 2011 @ 17:25:58
The brand that I’m buying, which calls itself “raw” nectar, says that the moisture is evaporated at very low temperatures, never exceeding normal tropic day temperatures. So you are correct that is not technically “raw”.
It pours much like honey to me, very thick. Agave nectar is much thinner and actually a little easier to use.
Coconut sugar is also available to me here, though I have not tried it yet.
Jun 19, 2011 @ 01:34:55
people in samal also use coconut nectar to make a wine called “Tuba”…they will collect the liquid sap using a hollow bamboo tube from the blossom and add food coloring and let it ferment for a day or two….also you can use it as vinegar by aging (fermenting) normally from 2-3 months..
Jun 19, 2011 @ 12:15:57
Hi Jun – I had heard of that wine before but I’ve never tried it.
I’m not much of a drinker, but maybe I’ve give it a taste when I get a chance.
Sep 21, 2011 @ 07:06:45
Dear All,
We are processor of High Quality VIRGIN COCONUT OIL, COCONUT SUGAR, COCONUT NECTAR, COCONUT FLOUR, CACAO PRODUCTS and among others here in Philippines and we supplied locally at 25% and exported abroad at 75%.
We had a lot of study how to process the coconut nectar in low temperature, however it only continues its fermentation and become sour with sweetness and creates bubbles which build up pressure inside the container of plastic or glass.
If some processor claiming the cold process, then they need to attest that through showing the actual process where I’m willing to visit anywhere here in Philippines.
Thanks,
ANDY ALBAO ENTERPRISE – COCOWONDER Division
Head Office: 9065 Hormiga St. Corner Tanay St., Brgy. Valenzuela, Makati City, Philippines 1208
Tel. (632) 896-7929,998-2918, 8951061, Fax. (632) 8950772, Mobile# 0922-8438769,
Sep 21, 2011 @ 12:09:08
Hi Andy – thanks for visiting.
Though your comment amounts to an advertisement for your products, I approved it, with edits, as it contains what I consider useful information.
There should be enough contact information there if someone wants to get a hold of you.
Jan 04, 2013 @ 17:35:18
Where can I buy coconut nectar in the Philippines? Is it widely available in any supermarket in Manila?
Jan 04, 2013 @ 18:28:42
I don’t know about Manila specifically, but it is available in most supermarkets in Davao. Sometimes referred to as Coconut Syrup. It is generally in the native section, usually by the tableya.
Jan 04, 2013 @ 18:50:40
Hi Randy,
Thank you for allowing my post! It’s highly appreciated.
@ Alex, coconut nectar syrup or coconut honey is available at our office in Makati City. You can call (02) 8967929