Coconut production in Niue
In 2013, the
History
The name of the island "Niue" is the local name for coconut. The coconut is not indigenous to the island or any of the
Its growth is more prominent in the island's lower terrace rather than the interior, and in villages on the eastern side;
Local uses
A coconut with little pulp is called kola and pona-niu. The stem on which the nut grows is called the loholoho, the flowering stage is called tome, the young shoot is named uruka, midrib of the leaf is called palelafe, the rib of each separate branch is known as kaniu. As the fruits start maturing the sponge that develops inside is called who-niu. The branches of the tree are used for making brooms, combs, etc. The dried leaf itself is used to make thatch for roofs, baskets (kato), and mats (potu). The wood of the tree is tough and heavy, and is used to make polished walking sticks. The white pulp of the nut is extracted and pressed to make coconut oil called puke-lolo, a sometimes scented oil which is used for massaging the body before taking a bath.[11]
The fibrous part of the coconut, called pulu, is used for making rope or
The coconut tree is climbed by young boys of age 8 and above, and the fruit is felled. The coconut is then sheared at the top end with a pointed rod of wood fixed on the ground. After the surface skin is removed and an opening is made to drink the coconut water contained in it. The flesh inside the coconut is then scooped out and used in cooking various dishes.[12] The stem of the tree is affixed with a leaf, termed fona, indicating that the tree is preserved for a long time. A guest to the island is presented with a fresh coconut on arrival indicating that he is welcome to enjoy his stay in Niue.[12]
References
- ^ "Niue Economy Profile 2014". Indexmundi.com. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
- ^ "NIUE – The new Paradise". niue-island.info. Archived from the original on 29 June 2007. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
- ^ "Country Pasture/Forage Resource Profiles: Niue". FAO. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
- ^ Smith 1993, p. 20.
- ^ Smith 1993, pp. 21–22.
- ^ Sykes 1970, p. 152.
- ^ Cushman 2013, p. 97.
- ^ Ridgell 1995, p. 139.
- ^ "FAOSTAT". Food and Agriculture Organization. United Nations. Retrieved June 3, 2015. Note: User must define "Niue" under the "area" parameter and "2013" under the "year" parameter.
- ^ "Niue: Coconuts, production quantity (tons)". factfish.com. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
- ^ a b c Smith 1993, pp. 18–19.
- ^ a b Smith 1993, p. 18.
Bibliography
- Cushman, Gregory T. (25 March 2013). Guano and the Opening of the Pacific World: A Global Ecological History. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-31072-8.
- Ridgell, Reilly (1995). Pacific Nations and Territories: The Islands of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. Bess Press. ISBN 978-1-57306-001-1.
- Smith, S (1993). Niue The Island And Its People. [email protected]. pp. 97–. GGKEY:1ZG5T864FZB.
- Sykes, William Russell (1970). Contributions to the Flora of Niue. Government Print. ISBN 9780477018883.Coconut plantation in Niue had suffered serious damage in the hurricane of 1989, which had then resulted in closure of the coconut cream factory.
Further reading
- Stanley, David (2004). Moon Handbooks South Pacific. David Stanley. ISBN 978-1-56691-411-6.