Coconut a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits because their endosperm contains a large quantity of clear liquid, called "coconut milk" in the literature, and when immature, may be harvested for their potable "coconut water", also called "coconut juice". Mature, ripe coconuts can be used as edible seeds, or processed for oil and plant milk from the flesh, charcoal from the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk. Dried coconut flesh is called copra, and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking
Creamed coconut grated before it is added to dishes. By adding warm water it can be made into coconut milk or coconut cream. Adding water to creamed coconut in the ratio 5:2 gives coconut cream, 5:1 coconut milk. Creamed coconut is added to Indian, South East Asian and Caribbean recipes to enrich curries and sauces. In the west, it is primarily used in confectionery items, desserts, ice cream, and sauces. Not to be confused with the related coconut cream, which is a liquid. Creamed coconut does not contain cholesterol and is a source of fiber. It is also a good source of