Coconut is the new Pomegranate

Remember the fight against the free radicals? And the naturally occurring antioxidants found in Pomegranate juice? But what if you're looking to replace lost electrolytes or to "reduce problems for infants suffering from intestinal disturbances" (one of O.N.E.'s claims)? If so, you better start drinking some coconut water.

Originally from the Philippines, I grew up on fresh young coconut water (buko). Freshly picked from the tree, the vendors would chop of the tops with their machetes, loosen up the coconut meat and stick a straw in it. There was so much of it around, you would often see them drying up on the ground or preparing themselves to be old coconuts. I think that is why I'm having such a hard time comprehending the $2.30 price tag for 11 ounces of it. I guess that's the game of importing and exporting, or at least that's what they want us to think.

I'm seeing more and more brands popping up, promoting the health benefits and positioning it as the next Gatorade:

- ZICO: "five essential electrolytes ZICO has important electrolytes that your body needs to keep nerves firing, muscles moving and to manage stress."
- VITA COCO claims to be the only all natural coconut water available. "Vita Coco is a nutritional and refreshing drink containing only 100% coconut water from Brazil..."
- O.N.E. seems to really have a strong marketing department. Not only are they pushing the health benefits but they're playing up the green factor. "O.N.E.™ promotes the sustainability of the Amazon Rainforest and is packaged in the most environmentally friendly packaging available today – Tetra Pak."

I guess I'm old-school, coz I've been enjoying my Goya (oh boya)



$1.50 at Key Food for a 17.6 fl oz and it even has little bits of coconut in it. I've had Vita Coco several times. It was on sale for 3 for $5 at Whole Foods last week. It's not as sweet as Goya's, so it is a bit more refreshing. It regularly sells for $2.70 (11oz) at the corner store and is definitely a close second!