How to open a young coconut.

Here is my sweet young coconut, or young Thai coconut as some say, ready to be cut. These coconuts, as you can see, are not brown, but white.  They have a sort of pyramid at the top as well.  On the inside is coconut water, (not milk), and a wonderful flesh that is softer the younger they are, and hardens a bit as the coconut matures. I actually found this at my Wal-mart Supercenter, but they are also found in asian markets and whole foods stores as well.  It would be preferable to have a very sharp knife, (maybe one you don't mind takes a bit of a beating, or a cleaver would be even better if you own one.

I like to remove the saran wrap before I begin.

(Pretend my left hand is holding the coconut still!  I am just showing my right hand position and where the knife is in the coconut here.)  Using the above position, cut off a chunk of the top, to reveal a bonier, harder portion underneath.

After that first cut, here is what it looks like.  That brown area is the hard spot you trying to get down to.

With a sharp point on my knife, I jab hard a few times down into it, to make a hole of sorts to drain the coconut water out by.

Here's the hole I made in the coconut.

Pour out the water....this water is full of nutrients and electrolytes.  It is a wonderful natural alternative to gatorade.  Store some in the freezer at the beginning of flu and cold season to have on hand.  You can also purchase coconut water mixed with a bit of fruit juice in the health food aisles at grocery stores.

Cut off the top of the coconut.

If the flesh is still soft, it is easily scooped out.  This coconut is a bit older, and is easier to scoop out using the back of my spoon. 

Great to add to a smoothie of ANY kind.  They blend easily, even if the flesh isn't super soft.  More to come on coconuts and why you would want to add more to your diet.  Especially when pregnant or a new mama...but they are wonderful for you all the time!

This post is a part of Pennywise Platter, and Monday Mania ; as well as Real Food Wednesday and Fight Back Friday!

 

Comments

[connie]

thanks for this. I just bought one a few days ago, and have been wondering how to open it. Now, what to do with it :)

[Joy Y.]

Your quite welcome Connie! Now..I just hope you have a good sharp knife! Enjoy your lovely coconut!

Joy

[Carla Veinot]

I've never seen a coconut like that before. Heck, in my town, it's hard to even find a regular coconut, lol! Looks good though!