The coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm, a tree that belongs to the large family of Palmaceae. On the palm, coconuts are protected by a fibrous shell (the pericarp) that is 5 to 15 cm thick. Underneath this fibrous shell are very hard, thin brownish covers that must be broken to reach the pulp (nut) that adheres to the inner walls. The cavity in the center of the fruit is filled with a sweet, refreshing white liquid known as “coconut water” (not to be confused with coconut milk, which is produced by crushing the pulp). The coconut water turns into white, ivory-colored pulp as the coconut ripens. The edible part of the coconut is the pulp and the very refreshing liquid in the hollow center of the fruit.