Young Coconut (Buko)
A refreshing tropical fruit filled with sweet water and soft, tender flesh that is enjoyed fresh or in Filipino desserts and drinks!
- Buko (BOO-koh) – The Filipino name for young coconut.
- Buko has a smooth green outer husk that protects its refreshing coconut water and soft, jelly-like white flesh inside. Its taste is mildly sweet, fresh, and slightly nutty, with a light tropical flavor. The tender flesh is soft and creamy, making it delicious to eat fresh or add to desserts and drinks.
Filipinos enjoy buko in many ways.
Young coconuts are often cut open so the refreshing coconut water can be drunk straight from the shell, and the soft flesh is scooped out with a spoon.
Buko is also a favorite ingredient in desserts such as buko salad, buko pandan, halo-halo, maja blanca, and buko pie
It is also enjoyed in refreshing drinks and smoothies.
- Coconut trees produce fruit throughout the year in the Philippines, so fresh buko is available year-round.
- While there is no single harvest season, it is especially popular during the hot summer months because of its naturally refreshing water and cooling flesh.
Buko is rich in electrolytes, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it a refreshing fruit that helps support hydration, digestion, and overall health.