Yes, coconut apples are edible.
Coconut apples, also known as "manzana de coco," are the spongy, sweet mass that develops inside a mature coconut. This forms as the coconut begins to germinate. It's the endosperm converting to a haustorium. Think of it as the developing embryo's food supply.
Here's a breakdown:
- What it is: It's a round, cottony or spongy mass that fills much of the coconut's interior.
- How it forms: As the coconut sprouts, the solid and liquid endosperm (the "meat" and "water") get converted into this spongy mass, providing nutrients for the developing seedling.
- Taste and texture: The taste can vary, often described as subtly sweet, and the texture is soft and yielding.
- How to eat it: You can eat it raw directly from the coconut.
Essentially, a coconut apple is a natural part of the coconut's life cycle and a perfectly safe and interesting snack.
