Based in Manila, Philippines, Dessert Comes First is a chronicle of the food-obsessed food writer, Lori Baltazar. This website is all about desserts, restaurants, coffee, and the pleasures of homebaking. Read more about me Da Coconut Nut
Wed, March 21st of 2007
6:15 pm
If you eat too much, you’ll get very fat
Now, the coconut nut is a big, big nut
But its delicious nut is not a nut.
composed by Ryan Cayabyab
At first I think it’s panocha, a type of brown sugar made from a concentrate evaporated from sugarcane extract. Usually sold on half a coconut shell, it’s what’s usually sprinkled on top of bibingka (rice cake). A muted caramel in color, it’s sweet (but of course), and cleanly so, without any of the cloyingness that ordinary white sugar has. No, it doesn’t taste like coconut and yes, I’m crazy about it. That it’s low in calories and sugar free is a sweet plus.
This is coconut sugar, a sugar made from the watery sap that drips from the coconut tree’s cut flower buds. Already a hardcore sugar fan, I’m ecstatic about adding another type of sugar to my already very sweet collection of sugary favorites. This coconut sugar has replaced my muscovado for now as my sweetener of choice in my afternoon cup of coffee. And naturally, when I’m nuts about something (pun intended), I must find out all about it.
This coconut sugar is made by Mr. Coconut International, a local manufacturing company that’s been producing quality coconut products for 40 years. Jon Javier, the company owner’s son tells me, “Aside from producing coconut products, my family has been producing pharmaceutical trade oils, or what’s more commonly known as coconut oil, even before it became popular. ”
Wanting to introduce the versatility of the coconut to a wider audience, the company launched their retail line, Mr. Coconut, in 2004. “The Mr. Coconut concept came from our desire to have the products on the market,” explains Jon. “It started out as a juice bar that had all the product lines that coconut can offer: skin and body products and the vinegar, sugar, and jam. From there the brand came out and things happened very quickly.”
It’s a most opportune time for these coconut products to come out since the focus now is on wellness and an organic produce-based lifestyle. Jon enlisted the help of two friends to help him with Mr. Coconut, Anna Co and Ango Dimagiba. Ango is in charge of Operations while Anna is responsible for Human Resources “… troubleshooting and everything else actually, ” she laughs. Jon describes their working relationship as “… a good partnership, it’s well-balanced and our respective strengths can be used.”
Mr. Coconut’s product line begins with the juice (P30), a cold beverage made from the coconut meat (not the juice) with a little sweetener added to it. White in color, it reminds me of a virgin piña colada. To me, a diehard coconut lover however, it tastes like sweetened gata (coconut milk). I like it very much, though it could do with a little less sugar.
The bath and body line includes a lotion (P149), and a milk bath soap (P80), both of which include virgin coconut oil. The group is quick to enumerate the many benefits of coconut oil, and its uses in cooking, a moisturizer for the skin and scalp, and as an overall health supplement that can be taken daily. There’s also a dry oil mist (P149/110 ml) that comes in several fragrances and is lighter on the skin than the regular coconut oil.
As we talk, I’m sipping my Mr. Coconut juice and I ask how the coconut oil is made. The extra virgin coconut oil (P199/250 ml) is Mr. Coconut’s banner product and bestseller as well as the juice. “Actually, the oil is made from the coconut meat. It’s fermented and the oil floats to the top,” Jon replies. I do a double-take and immediately stop mid-sip. “You mean I’m drinking oil???” I ask half-jokingly. Jon, Anna, and Ango laugh. “It’s totally safe, Lori. It’s a different process, you know.” Jon adds, ”Our coconut oil is made the natural way without high heat or chemicals. That’s why it doesn’t taste sunog (burned) or rancid. It’s the purest coconut oil there is. We even offer taste tests of the oil and the other products.” As Jon talks, I notice that he’s wearing a shirt with the words Mr. Coconut on it. Mr. Coconut he rightfully is – the man knows so darn much about coconuts!
The food line at Mr. Coconut is a triumvirate of the vinegar (P55/P59), coco jam (P130), and my now beloved coconut sugar (P199). “We have to cut the stem and extract the sap,” Jon elucidates. “There’s a certain temperature, time, and acidity needed to produce the sugar. It’s a little bit tedious — one kilo of sugar requires gallons of coconut sap.” Currently, the group is looking at options to repackage the sugar and supply it to restaurants. “It’s incredibly healthy,” the group agrees. “There’s no cane sugar in this product, just 100% coconut. It’s very high in vitamin C and amino acids.” “And it doesn’t increase your blood sugar level,” Ango adds. “Even my diabetic dad takes it.”
While I have yet to see if the coconut sugar works in baking, I get even more excited when Jon tells me that they’re working on a coconut flour that would be naturally high in fiber. Whoa, this baker’s all set! Also in the pipeline are coconut chips similar to soy chips, lip balms, shampoos, and coconut soap with exfoliants. “Our products are their own advertising,” Ango concludes. “They’re all organic and good for health.”
Mr. Coconut kiosks
3/F SM Megamall Bridgeway
SM North EDSA
SM Manila
2/F Glorietta
Market! Market!
Website: www.mrcoconut.com.ph
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Your site seems delicious, congratulations on being a finalist to blog awards. Keep writing
[Reply]
Comment by gay — March 22, 2007 @ 7:29 am
I’ve tried two of Mr. Coconut’s products already and i must say both are really good. I’m a fan of vinegar as condiment and their version really enhances the flavor of any fried dishes. The Coconut juice is also very refreshing…and healthy.
The coconut is “very Filipino” and its a good thing that there are entrepreneurs out there who invest in enhancing the image of this national symbol. I believe coconut-based products have lots of potential to penetrate even the international market so let’s all go Loco over Coco (sounds a little corny but hey, at least it rhymes!) Keep it up and make us proud!
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Comment by Aris — March 22, 2007 @ 10:14 am
I used to see them at Robinson’s Galleria (basement). Haven’t seen their kiosk at Market!Market, but will look for them there.
Two years ago, I attended a Extra Virgin Coconut Oil seminar organized by the Food/Drug bureau (or some govt agency to do with food and products). We saw the process of making EVCO, as friends had the plan to get into the market. Fascinating really, how the oil comes from the milk of the coconut and transformed with low heat or fermentation.
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Comment by Mila — March 22, 2007 @ 11:40 am
panocha is a delicacy made of brown sugar and peanuts.
I think the one used in bibingka is latik, made from coconuts.
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Comment by leny — March 22, 2007 @ 4:57 pm
Leny- In Batangas, panocha is that candy made with brown sugar and peanuts, but it’s also the sugar I described in the article. It’s also known as sinakob or sangkaka. There is no latik used in bibingka.
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Comment by Lori — March 22, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
Their lotion products are great, specially in the cold, dry weather in the US. I should try the food products next.
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Comment by Rich — March 23, 2007 @ 1:13 am
I never knew that Mr. Coconut sells organic coconut sugar. A few weeks ago, we had a chance to taste coconut sugar, for the first time, in Mindoro. An SVD priest invited us to their community and served us coffee and this sugar. Unfortunately we weren’t able to buy some. Thanks for this info Ms Lori.
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Comment by Carina — March 23, 2007 @ 8:06 am
I’m a big fan of their lotion (the green one). After trying it a couple of years back, I chucked all my other lotions in favor of this. Not only did it hydrate my skin and smelled yummy, it actually soothes the itchiness away whenever I have minor allergies. No more Caladryl for me!
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Comment by Anne — March 23, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Hi. COngrats on your nomination to the Philippine Blog Awards. I sent u email re: Awards Night…
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Comment by jun — March 23, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
virgin coconut oil is perfect for the scalp; prevents falling hair.
massage your scalp with virgin coconut oil at least once a week and notice the change almost immediately. healthy scalp, healthy hair!
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Comment by tess — March 23, 2007 @ 9:27 pm
Mr Coconut products are really great stuff! During Christmas, do as I do – bundle them up in baskets and give them away as presents – they’re always a sure hit.
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Comment by PINKY — March 23, 2007 @ 9:40 pm
Being a “suka” affecionado, I am a huge fan of their “suka” especially their version of the spicy suka. Just the right amount of tangy sensation not overpowered by the spicyness of the sili, but later on persperation sets in(I bet this is a great way to loose some weight).
Also like their coco jam, not too sweet, especially on a freashly toasted piece of pan de sal. I bet this coco jam goes great with coffee with coco sugar, when I get around to trying their sugar.
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Comment by joe — March 23, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
I love your blog! I love all things coconut too, but never heard of the sugar. I hope I can find it somewhere.
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Comment by Anali — March 24, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
Hi Lori. I’m the diabetic dad of Ango who’s taking Mr. Coconut Organic Sugar
(73 years old and counting). Thank you for helping Jon, Anna and Ango out. You can say I am some sort of their guinea pig, with good results! I now take coconut sugar everyday with my coffee and oatmeal- without the side effect of feeling drowsy.
I have a message for my daughter Angie – ” I’m almost out of coco sugar, pls.bring 1 jar when you pass by the house this Sunday.”
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Comment by Alex Go — March 24, 2007 @ 10:48 pm
I hope you get to export this to other countries. This will be a sure hit, especially the cocojam and coco vinegar. Hmmm… let me think… paksiw na lechon cooked in coco vinegar with a hint of coco jam… it might just work. Yummy! Send a few bottles and jars to us and we’ll let you know if it works.
Lori, excellent blog, by the way.
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Comment by Scooby & Cris — March 24, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
Hi Lori,
Ango, my cousin, gave me a bottle of their coco oil a few years ago. I’ve always liked using it on my hair, like Tess. And once when my son’s skin became very dry and flaky due to winter eczema here in HK, I treated him with the oil and the dryness disappeared! I have yet to try the other products, but I’ll be sure to stock up on the sugar, jam and vinegar on my next Manila visit. I’m sure my boss here in HK would love the food products and toiletries as well. I gave her LZM’s boneless bangus last Christmas and her kids loved it. It’s always good to promote Pinoy-made products.
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Comment by Dawn — March 27, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
Man! Mr. Coconut is an oozing sensation! I’ve tried most of its product! And its really really high quality BUT affordable as well. I am addicted i must say to the coconut jam. if they have the bread for the gods, this must be it’s spread! and oh, the lotion! my mother loves it so much, and she means it! And how could i miss the famous Mr. Coconut Juice from coconut grate can you believe that, the first ever i heard!
And what keeps me coming back? It’s not just what they sell, but I found they have a very corteous and well-trained staff in their Mall branches, I spoke with the owner myself Mr. Abelardo javier, that guy hit it well! He and his team are passionate in making this “Tree of Life” usable for most of us!
God bless!
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Comment by Arch. Daniel Herrera — March 27, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
hmmmmmmmm love it masarap!!
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Comment by ricky — March 28, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
I am addicted to your products especially the oil. It has solved my constipation and the lotion cured my dry skin here in Virginia. I will try your coconut sugar. Thank you so much.
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Comment by Malinda — March 29, 2007 @ 12:23 am
Hi
I would like to get your suggestions regarding selling your products in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Please respond in details as soon as possible
thank you
Yours’
Mr. Abdullah Alsahli
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Comment by Abdullah alsahli — March 31, 2007 @ 4:45 pm
Hi Mr. Abdullah Alsahli,
Thank you for expressing your interest in Mr. Coconut. Please drop me a note via email at so we can discuss.
Regards,
Jon Javier
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Comment by Jon Javier — April 4, 2007 @ 4:49 pm
Mr. Alsahli, my email add is [email protected].
Regards,
Jon Javier – President (Mr. Coconut)
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Comment by Jon Javier — April 4, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
my sister has been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovaries syndrome) and one of the things she must watch is her weight. since her hormones are imbalanced so is her insulin level and she must watch that she doesn’t cross the border to being a diabetic. it was good that i saw this article about mr.coconut’s brown sugar. i will ask her to try it in place of the regular sugar and artificial sweeteners ( i hate artificial food!). i will also be trying it and my husband since diabetes runs in his family and he doesn’t want to be one
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Comment by marie — April 24, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
Hi,
need your suggestive advice…no cow milk, no soy milk.
my son is 2 years old. he is allergic to nuts and soy. i want to find an alternative milk for him to drink, with fortified nutrients and nutritional value. cow milk is not good for him. do you think coconut milk will cause an allergic reaction…he is allergic to nuts. is the coconut a nut???any recommendation you have is appreciated. cow milk is overrated. thank you.
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Comment by Freda — April 24, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
To Whom it May Concern:
I am interested in franchising in the U.S. Am coming to the Philippines in Feb. Please get in touch with me as I would like information on this subject as well as developing a dialogue with the owners. Thank you.
Dr. Hogue
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Comment by Dr. Fred E. Hogue — November 14, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
How do you order if you live in the states without the high shipping charge?
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Comment by Tashi — August 30, 2008 @ 10:53 am
how much per klg the coco sugar? thanks
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Comment by alex garcia — October 12, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Hi!
Is the coconut sugar as sweet as ordinary table sugar?
Thanks!
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Comment by June — March 31, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Coco sugar has a nice caramel flavor, as far as my taste buds go
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Comment by solraya — April 1, 2009 @ 8:39 am
[...] chill of the vanilla ice cream — a spectacular tour de force. The suman sa latik comes with coconut jam that has been heated, contrasting two levels of warmth and a sticky sweetness that is impossible [...]
Pingback by 10 Great Restaurants & Desserts For Mother’s Day (last of 2 Parts) at Dessert Comes First - An obsession with dessert and other unabashed opinions of a food writer — February 18, 2010 @ 9:55 am
Where is the nearest place i can buy coco sugar? I’m from Binan, Laguna.
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loribee Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
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Comment by Teody Mercado — March 23, 2010 @ 5:16 pm
Coconut sugar found in California, USA at Whole Foods Market today. The flavor is like medium brown sugar, though milder.I’m going to try to make Tollhouse cookies for my diabetic Brother-in-Law and expect to use more than the usual amount of sugar.
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Comment by Charlan Pennington — August 18, 2010 @ 6:05 am