Cohune oil facts for kids

Cohune oil is a special kind of oil. It comes from the seeds of the cohune palm tree. This tree grows naturally in Central and South America. People have used this oil for a very long time.

What is Cohune Oil?

Cohune oil is pressed from the seeds of the cohune palm. This palm tree is found in places like Central America and South America. It's a natural product from the rainforests.

A Look Back: How the Maya Used It

People in southern Mesoamerica have used cohune oil for thousands of years. The ancient Maya people, in particular, used it a lot. They found many ways to use this oil.

For example, they used it as a lubricant. This means it helped things move smoothly. They also used it for cooking their food. Another important use was for making soap. The oil was also a great source of light. They used it as lamp oil. They would put the oil in special lamps made of clay or stone. Then, they would light a wick to create light for their homes.

What's Inside Cohune Oil?

Cohune oil is made up of different kinds of fats. These fats are called fatty acids. Some of the main fatty acids in cohune oil include lauric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid. These different fats give the oil its special properties. For example, it melts at about 28 °C. This means it can be a solid or a liquid depending on how warm it is.

Why Isn't It More Common?

Even though cohune oil is useful, it's not widely sold in stores. This is because the seeds of the cohune palm are very hard to open. It takes a lot of effort to get the oil out.

However, some Maya communities still make and use cohune oil today. You can find them using it in places like Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. They continue the traditions of their ancestors.