Copra is a noun that refers to the dried, kernel or meat of the coconut (Cocos nucifera), which is primarily cultivated in tropical regions. The word "copra" is derived from the Malayalam term "kopra," which means dried coconut.
To produce copra, mature coconuts are collected and their outer husks are removed, exposing the inner shell containing the meat. This meat is then carefully scooped out and dried under controlled conditions, either using the sun or by artificial means such as hot air convection. The drying process can take several days or weeks, depending on the environmental conditions. Once dried, the copra becomes hard and brittle, with a low moisture content, making it ideal for storage and transportation.
Copra serves as a valuable commodity in various industries. Its oil content can be extracted through mechanical or solvent extraction methods to produce coconut oil, which is widely used in cooking, baking, and the manufacturing of soaps, cosmetics, and detergents. Additionally, the residue left after the oil extraction, known as copra meal or coconut cake, is utilized as animal feed for livestock and poultry due to its high protein and carbohydrate content.
Given its economic significance, copra plays a vital role in the livelihoods of many people in coconut-producing regions, where it is commonly traded as a cash crop.
