Is Coconut a Fruit or A Nut?

Question

This is a serious question. I have seen it listed as a fruit, but it has the word "nut" in it, so do you know what it is? is it both? is that even possible?

Answer 1

It is the FRUIT of the coconut palm.

wikipedia:
The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the Family Arecaceae (palm family). It is the only species in the genus Cocos, and is a large palm, growing to 30 m tall, with pinnate leaves 4-6 m long, pinnae 60-90 cm long; old leaves break away cleanly leaving the trunk smooth. The term coconut refers to the fruit of the coconut palm.

Answer 2

Botanically, a coconut is a simple dry fruit known as a fibrous drupe (not a true nut). The husk (mesocarp) is composed of fibers called coir and there is an inner "stone" (the endocarp). This hard endocarp (the outside of the coconut as sold in the shops of non-tropical countries) has three germination pores that are clearly visible on the outside surface once the husk is removed. It is through one of these that the radicle emerges when the embryo germinates. Adhering to the inside wall of the endocarp is the testa, with a thick albuminous endosperm (the coconut "meat"), the white and fleshy edible part of the seed. The endosperm surrounds a hollow interior space, filled with air and often a liquid referred to as coconut water, not to be confused with coconut milk. Coconut milk is made by grating the endocarp and mixing it with (warm) water. This produces a thick, white liquid called coconut milk that is used in much Asian cooking, for example, in curries. Coconut water from the unripe coconut, on the other hand, is drunk fresh as a refreshing drink.

Answer 3

coco'nut' not coco'fruit'. Though its name suggests that it is a nut, I've always regarded coconut as a fruit. When the coconut is young, it has properties like fruit, and as it matures, it becomes more nutty. But in fact it is not a nut or a fruit; it is a seed.

Answer 4

A Coconut is a Nut

Answer 5

Well I think it's a nut since they refer to the white part as a meat but then again it does have a juice in it. When you get right down to it, it's always listed as a fruit so it is probabbly a fruit. Some things make no sence though.

Answer 6

personally I think Coconut is a fruit, the reason why there is the word "nut" should come from its shape, coz it looks like a big nut.

Answer 7

It's a fruit. The nut inside has the edible white meat.

Answer 8

A nut in order to be a fruit it needs to have seeds. That's why people say a tomatoe is a fruit not a vegetable.

Answer 9

The proper term is; Copra. It is a nut. I got to climb the tree in my yard a couple of times a year to cut the fruit down, so it don't fall on one of my pets.

Answer 10

I have 2 so it was be a nut.