Yes, a type of coconut exists that features pink flesh inside, although its outer shell is typically green when young.
Understanding Pink Coconuts
While the outer shell of most coconuts, including those with pink interiors, is not naturally pink, the edible part within can indeed have a distinct pink hue. This fascinating characteristic is found in specific varieties.
The Wulung Coconut: A Pink Exception
The provided reference highlights the Wulung coconut as an example of this phenomenon. Unlike the commonly seen brown, mature coconuts or the bright green young ones with white flesh, the Wulung variety stands out.
Key characteristics of Wulung coconuts mentioned in the reference include:
- Size: They are generally smaller than average coconuts.
- Growth: They grow in clusters (by the dozens) on stiff central stems.
- Harvest Stage: They are typically harvested when still young and immature, appearing muted green.
- Internal Flesh: This is where the magic happens. The thick, fibrous flesh inside a young Wulung coconut is described as being tinted pink. This contrasts with the typical tan or white flesh found in other coconut varieties.
So, while you might not find a coconut with a pink shell, certain types, like the Wulung, offer a surprising splash of pink within their delicious flesh.
Why Pink Flesh?
The exact compounds responsible for the pink coloration in Wulung coconuts aren't detailed in the reference, but variations in plant pigments (like anthocyanins, which often create red, purple, or blue colors but can appear pink depending on pH and other factors) can lead to such unique characteristics in different fruit and vegetable varieties.
In summary, while the outer shell remains standard, the inner flesh of specific coconuts, notably the Wulung variety when young, provides a delightful and unusual pink surprise.
