copperah

It is obtained by pressure or boiling from the kernels, which are first broken up into small pieces and dried in the sun, when they are known as copperah or copra.

The value of this product to Ceylon, may be estimated by the following return of its exports in 1847, besides the local consumption:— £ Declared value of nuts 5,485 Ditto of Coir 10,318 Kernels, or Copperah 6,503 Shells 210 Oil 19,142 Arrack 11,657 Total £53,315 The annually increasing consumption of the nuts holds out a great inducement to the native proprietors to reclaim all their hitherto unproductive land.

The exports of copperah from Ceylon were, in 1842, 115 cwts.; in 1843, 2,194; in 1844, 2,397; and in 1852, 39,174 cwts.

That for exportation is usually obtained by pressing the copperah in a simple press turned by bullocks.

This is called cobri, copra, or copperah in different localities.