What an incredible opportunity I had to visit the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. Not only did I get the chance to visit one of the plantations and factories where our coconut is grown and processed, but I also was able to travel, explore and learn about Sri Lankan culture as a whole. This trip was incredibly rewarding for all of these reasons. I left with a deeper connection to one of our main ingredients and a better understanding of how people on the other side of the world live.

First, take a look at some of my pictures from the coconut plantation. I was amazed by how wild and jungle-like it was! The process of coconut planting and harvesting is incredibly sustainable. There were trees there from 4 months old to 50 years old. Every part of the tree is used in Sri Lankan culture but also in the planting/harvesting process. Coconut husks (the outside shell) are used as fertilizer when a new tree is planted. The husks help retain moisture and keep the roots happy. I saw another way this is done where the husks are dried and used to build a mound where the tree is planted (that picture is in the next group). Also, Dried palm leaves are used to cover newly harvested coconuts while they wait to be taken to the factory. All in all, I was speechless during my tour from the vast beauty of the land!!