The notion of giving – whether it’s gift-giving or giving back – is at the forefront of celebrations with friends and family over Christmas, New Year and CNY. The team from CÓCOES is tapping into that spirit in a number of ways – including through their cooking kit options. These are great gift ideas for someone who likes to cook; and read on, too, for a party recipe with coconut syrup that’ll be a favourite at a festive get-together.
Creating a sustainable cooking kit
Located in the picturesque mountains of Palawan in the Philippines is Lionheart Farms, where CÓCOES grows its coconut trees and collects coconut flower sap, the key ingredient in its range of condiments and drinks.
The harvesting process uses organic and regenerative farming methods that are much better for the environment than the process of refined sugar production. Additionally, the whole plant isn’t cut down; only the nectar is captured from blossoms at their peak.
“Our farmers use traditional harvesting techniques to tap the sap, minimising the environmental impact. This method also ensures that the coconut palms remain healthy and productive for years to come. Unlike traditional sugar production, which often involves intensive farming practices and harmful chemicals, our coconut flower sap is harvested sustainably. We also prioritise the wellbeing of our farmers and the environment by avoiding the use of harmful pesticides and fertilisers.”
What’s more, to preserve its natural goodness, the sap undergoes only minimal processing to get to the end product.
Contributing to community
The team says that while creating a sustainable product is a fantastic first step, it’s not enough to truly make a difference. “A sustainable and future-ready business must consider its impact, from sourcing to production to distribution. At CÓCOES, we prioritise sustainable farming practices, fair labour and ethical single-origin sourcing.”
The Tagbanua, Batak, Palaw’an and other indigenous groups have a deep connection to Palawan. Part of Lionhart Farms’ sustainable vision is to work with these local communities. They do this not only by employing the aforementioned traditional harvesting method of tapping coconut flower sap, but also by using fair trade practices.
Part of the farm’s revenue also goes towards the Gabay Kalinga Foundation. This initiative provides education opportunities while ensuring local culture is protected; the foundation also listens to communities’ needs to help them find solutions for future generations.
“One of the things we’re most proud of is our collaboration with these local communities – they’re an integral part of our management system. We work closely with farmers, have regular monthly meetings with the elders of the indigenous peoples, and maintain an open door policy to implement sustainable farming practices and management systems, ensuring the long-term health of the environment and the wellbeing of our people and the community. Seeing the positive impact on their lives, from improved incomes to better access to education and healthcare, is truly inspiring.”
Gift ideas for someone who likes to cook
Keen to give a foodie friend or family member the ideal Christmas or New Year’s treat? The company has two tasting kits that might just be the perfect cooking kit to add to someone’s kitchen cupboards:
CÓCOES Savory Tasting Kit: This includes aminos, vinegar and teriyaki. Any budding chefs or foodies can enjoy playing around with these ingredients, which can be used in place of other oils and condiments.
CÓCOES Sweet Tasting Kit: This kit comes with light and dark syrups that can be used in baking, to balance a stir-fry or as a drizzle of golden goodness on your pancakes.
The good news is that you’ll also be giving the gift of better health, as coconut flower sap has a low GI (glycaemic index) and doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes and crashes like refined sugar, so it’s suitable for diabetics. It’s also rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and vitamin C, which can help with blood pressure regulation, muscle function, collagen production and more.
Gift sets are available and ship within 3 days in Hong Kong.
Tasty recipe with coconut syrup
Here’s a festive recipe with coconut syrup that uses both the sweet and savoury cooking kits mentioned above. It’s a fresh and easy Caprese salad that will bring Christmas colours to the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 container (8-10 ounces) burrata cheese, chilled and sliced
- 5 cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup Organic Coconut Flower Aminos (Savory kit)
- 1 tablespoon Organic Coconut Flower Vinegar (Savory kit)
- 1 teaspoon Organic Coconut Flower Syrup Light (Sweet kit)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Gently slice the burrata cheese, halve the cherry tomatoes and rinse and pat dry the basil leaves.
- Whisk together the aminos, vinegar, syrup and black pepper until well combined.
- Arrange the burrata cheese and tomato slices and scatter the basil leaves generously.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and then the prepared dressing. Season with additional black pepper to taste.
Fun and games
Happily, it’s not all hard work at CÓCOES. The team is also planning a festive celebration for the Palawan team. “We’re calling it ‘SAPtacular Day’ – there will be games and traditional Filipino dishes, along with plenty of our signature products! We’ll be taking time to reflect on our achievements in 2024 – we won four awards this year – and set goals for the coming year.”
Then, to kick off 2025, the company says it’s excited to launch The Power of SLOW Oolong Citrus Grape, a new beverage flavour that aligns with their ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation. “We believe it will be a game-changer in the health and wellness industry – so stay tuned for more exciting updates!”
CÓCOES products are available to purchase directly from cocoes.com
This article about a cooking kit and gift ideas for someone who likes to cook first appeared in the Winter 2024/2025 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
Enjoyed this recipe with coconut syrup? Find more in our Wine and Dine section.