Coconut / Thengai
Thengai, or Coconut, is a versatile and essential ingredient in South Indian cooking. Known for its rich, creamy texture and mildly sweet flavor, coconut is used in many forms — grated, shredded, milk, or oil — to add taste and nutrition to both savory and sweet dishes.
From chutneys and curries to desserts and snacks, coconut is a staple that brings aroma, flavor, and nourishment to everyday meals.
Key Highlights:
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Name: Coconut / Thengai (தேங்காய்)
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Appearance: Hard, brown outer shell with white flesh inside
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Texture: Firm and fleshy inside; fibrous outside
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Taste: Mildly sweet, nutty, and rich
Common Uses:
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Grated for chutneys, poriyal, and kootu
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Used in coconut milk and coconut oil preparation
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Added to sweets like burfi, payasam, and modak
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Widely used in festive and everyday South Indian cooking
Health Benefits:
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Rich in healthy fats, especially MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides)
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Supports brain health and provides quick energy
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Contains fiber, iron, magnesium, and potassium
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Boosts immunity and aids in digestion
Storage Tips:
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Whole coconuts can be stored in a cool, dry place for several days
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Once opened, refrigerate the flesh and use within 2–3 days
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Grated coconut can be frozen for longer storage

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