Coquito

/koʊˈki.toʊ/ noun

Definition

A small palm tree native to Chile, known for its orange nuts that are edible and resemble tiny coconuts.

Etymology

From Spanish 'coquito,' a diminutive form of 'coco' meaning coconut, with the '-ito' suffix making it mean 'little coconut.' Spanish explorers named it for its resemblance to coconuts.

Kelly Says

Coquito nuts are poisonous when raw but become edible when cooked, and they're used in Chilean cuisine—it's a fascinating example of how humans learned through trial and error which plants are safe to eat.

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