Coconut Water - The Fluid of Life

People in tropical regions have always drunk coconut water. On tropical islands where coconut trees are abundant, this liquid is one of the main sources of hydration for the native people. The liquid is consumed directly from the fruit. Once the husk is removed, a hole is cut in the fruit to allow the person to drink the contents. This is the best way to consume coconut water. Today, street vendors will sell the water direct from the coconut to tourists who are not quite ready to climb a tree and harvest their own coconut to drink from. Drinking the beverage directly from the coconut adds another benefit. Because the drink has not come in contact with anything except the straw, it is naturally sterile when consumed fresh from the fruit.

Coconut water is as hydrating as pure water. It is considered an isotonic beverage, because it has the same electrolyte balance as human blood. Because of this property, coconut water was actually used as an emergency plasma transfusion for wounded soldiers who were fighting in the Pacific front in World War II. This use gave the ingredient the nickname of "the fluid of life."

Today, many people drink coconut water as a sports drink. It helps replenish electrolyte levels without the added calories and sodium that are found in traditional sports drinks. In fact, fresh coconut water actually contains substantially more potassium than sports and energy drinks. A 100 ml drink of coconut water contains almost 300 mg of potassium, compared to just over 100 mg in a typical sports drink. It also contains a high amount of chloride, along with calcium and magnesium. It has few sugars and just enough sodium to help replenish electrolyte levels during exercise.

One problem with selling coconut water commercially is the fact that it degrades quickly once exposed to air. The delicate liquid will begin to ferment almost the moment it is exposed to air, and this causes it to lose its nutritional benefits, so bottling and selling it has been a challenge. Some companies have sold coconut water commercially by selling the immature coconuts whole.

One way to get around the problem of packaging coconut water safely is to use a high-temperature, short-time pasteurization method. This is the same method used to make shelf-stable milk. The problem with this process is that it destroys most of the natural flavor of the coconut water.

In 2007 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations announced a new cold preservation technology that could be used to preserve the benefits of coconut water. The new process keeps the beverage fresh for up to three weeks, which allows it to be shipped internationally and sold in areas where coconuts do not grow naturally. The main feature of the new bottling system is keeping the drink at a very controlled cold temperature throughout the bottling and shipping process. Once it reaches the retailer, the coconut water must remain at a very low temperature and away from too much light in order to keep it fresh. With this new technology, people across the globe will soon be able to experience the unique taste and refreshment that comes from drinking fresh coconut water.

With our 5 warehouse distribution system affords our customers the opportunity of the maximum on-time delivery of their orders. This geographically dispersed distribution system in conjunction with our connection to the manufacturers, offers the highest quality product with the fastest available delivery time.

AHD International has been in business since 1998 and has years of experience in selecting, selling and distribution of the highest quality ingredients available. Our select distribution relationships afford AHD access to the best product in the shortest time providing our customers the best resources available.

We are strictly a bulk supplier to manufacturers – we do not sell to re-sellers or individuals. Our minimum order size is approximately 25 kilos. AHD International LLC is classified as an importer, exporter and distributor of nutritional ingredients depending on the ingredient specified. AHD has 5 warehouse locations across North America and sales agents in over 10 countries. We are the only ingredient company to be awarded the Dun and Bradstreet's fastest growing company in America twice in 1999 and 2002.

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*"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."