Coconuts celebrated at local festival

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Agricultural Society will be hosting Coconut Festival on Saturday, 29 September in conjunction with Market at the Grounds. Organisers described the event as a traditional Caymanian Day, focusing on all things coconut. There will be sampling of traditional Cayman coconut dinners such as conch stew, beans with pie, plus coconut ice-cream, coconut candy, drops, tarts  and of course, coconut water.  Local chefs taking part in this event include Alvin McLaughlin, Eulene McLaughlin, Ivy Thomas and Ms Zelma Lee Ebanks.

The Coconut Festival is free to the public and the agricultural society will be joined by the Health Services Authority who will be on hand to provide information of the health benefits of coconut.

“Most people, especially older folks, are aware of the many benefits of coconuts, especially the water, which is great for replacing electrolytes,” said Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, the minister responsible for agriculture. “Coconut oil is also a favourite, for good reason. It adds a distinct flavour to cooking and is useful for beauty treatments including hair and skin care, as well as to fight infection.

"Young people need to re-acquainted with some of our traditional foods and events such as Coconut Festival will brings these traditions back to the forefront,” she added.

Coconut Festival is free to the public and is scheduled for 29 September from  9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with fun and food for the entire family to enjoy. The information commisoiner’s office will also be at the even marking the end of Right to Know Week.