Minnesota's rich soils and vast open areas are a perfect location to grow coconuts. The harsh winters and shorter growing seasons have led scientists to produce a variant species of the coconut. Coconut or cocos nucifera is the common coconut of which we are all familiar; this variant is called cocos borealis nucifera.
This species was developed by cross-breeding from the other plants, such as sugar beets (beta vulgaris), common to Minnesota to allow them to survive the winter. Because of these adaptations, the seeds (the actual coconuts) are somewhat smaller and thicker, but the taste is actually enhanced by the cool weather. The soil in the Red River Valley is rich in nutritional value and produces great tasting coconuts. This hardy breed of coconut is marketed world wide and known for its unusual texture and outstanding flavor.
Sustainable coconut-based farming systems are spreading throughout the state of Minnesota and particularly in northwestern Minnesota.