Unlocking The Secrets Of The Aroma Young Coconut

Young coconuts are typically sold peeled and wrapped in plastic, and they are a great source of coconut water. If you want to know how to open one, you'll need a steady and safe work surface, such as a large cutting board, and a large, good-quality meat cleaver. You might also want a straw to drink the water. Keep a dish towel nearby to wipe up any spills. First, cut off the top of the husk to gain access to the top of the coconut's shell. Then, embed the inner corner of the cleaver into the revealed shell of the coconut. Pry the cleaver up to pop the shell off. Drink the water straight from the coconut or pour it into a glass.

Choosing a good young coconut

• Check the colour: Young coconuts are typically white, but can also have a greenish or yellowish husk. Avoid coconuts with thick brown husks, as these are more mature and won't contain as much water. Look for one with consistent colouring and avoid those with large brown patches, which may indicate an older coconut.
• Shape matters: Coconuts start off small and round, becoming more oblong as they mature. Choose a coconut that is closer to round in shape, as these tend to carry more water.
• Give it a shake: A young coconut should be heavy for its size and full of water. Hold it up to your ear and give it a vigorous shake. If you don't hear any liquid sloshing around, it may be too mature or cracked. However, if you hear a sloshing sound, this could indicate a crack or leakage, so be sure to check for any signs of damage.
• Inspect for mould: Check the top and bottom of the coconut for any soft spots or mould. Look out for black spots on the bottom and avoid coconuts with a musty, mouldy odour. Even if there is only mould on the husk, it can still contaminate the water and meat inside.
• Weight matters: When in doubt, choose the heavier coconut of the same size. Heavier coconuts likely have more water and are therefore fresher.
• Check the eyes: A coconut typically has three "eyes", two of which are hard, and one that is softer. The soft eye is often the first to go bad, so check for any greenish mould around the eyes, especially the soft one.
• Avoid cracks: Don't choose coconuts with visible cracks, as this could indicate leakage and a higher chance of mould.
• Compare with others: If you are selecting from a pile, check the other coconuts for any signs of mould. If there are several mouldy coconuts, the one you choose may also be close to going bad.

Trimming the top of the coconut

Firstly, you will need to gather the right tools and materials. For this initial step, you will need a large, good-quality meat cleaver and a steady, safe work surface, such as a large cutting board. It is important to ensure your work area is tidy and clear, so you can focus on working carefully with the cleaver. Keep a dish towel nearby to wipe up any spills.

Now, you are ready to begin trimming. If you are right-handed, hold the coconut steady with your left hand near the bottom. Ensure your thumbs and fingers are wrapped around the coconut and not sticking up. Using the cleaver, trim away the top exterior flesh of the coconut. Cut in a circle, approximately 0.75 inches below the top of the husk. You should feel resistance when the knife reaches the hard shell, indicating how deep you should cut. Continue cutting all the way around the coconut until you can lift off and remove the top of the husk, revealing the top quarter inch or so of the shell.

The next step is to make a series of cuts into the shell to create a lid that can be pried open. Holding the cleaver at a 45-degree angle, make your first cut about 1 to 1.5 inches below the tip of the coconut. Use the bottom corner of the blade to strike hard enough to crack through the inner shell. Practice a few slow strikes first to get your aim right and build confidence. Make your second cut in the same manner, this time perpendicular to the first. Then, make a third cut parallel to the first, forming a "U" shape with the incisions. Finally, make a fourth cut to "connect the dots" and form a square around the top of the coconut.

With these steps, you will have successfully trimmed the top of the young coconut, ready for the next stage of opening it.

Draining the coconut water

If you want to drink straight from the coconut, you can use a straw. Insert the straw directly into the coconut and enjoy! This is a great option if you want to drink the water straight away and don't need to measure the amount of water.

Another option is to use a sieve to drain the coconut water. This will ensure that any small pieces of coconut meat or shell are caught and you are left with clear, pure coconut water.

Coconut water has a slightly sweet and floral taste and is a great addition to drinks, smoothies, and mocktails. It is also a healthy alternative to water and will add a tropical kick to your drinks.

Removing the coconut meat

Step 1: Cut the Husk

Using a cleaver, cut the husk down to the hard shell of the coconut. Make sure to cut away the top exterior flesh in a circular motion, about 0.75 inches below the top of the husk. This will give you access to the top of the coconut's shell.

Step 2: Break the Shell

Now, use the sharp bottom edge of the cleaver to cut the shell around the coconut. You can do this by holding the cleaver at a 45-degree angle and striking the shell firmly, or by gently tapping the surface of the shell with the cleaver to create a circle around the trimmed portion. This should allow you to lift and open the coconut.

Step 3: Drain the Coconut Water

Before removing the meat, drain the coconut water. You can drink it straight from the coconut or pour it into a glass. This water can be used in drinks or recipes, adding a tropical twist.

Step 4: Remove the Coconut Meat

Using a spatula, gently separate the coconut meat from the inner walls of the coconut. Work the spatula in a circle along the inside of the shell, and you should be able to loosen the meat. It may come off in pieces, but if done correctly, it should all fall off in one piece. Turn the coconut upside down and shake out any remaining meat.

Step 5: Wash and Prepare the Coconut Meat

Rinse the coconut meat and remove any brown skin that may have come off with it. This skin usually peels off easily. The meat should be white or ivory-colored; if it has a pinkish hue, it's a sign that the coconut is rotten and shouldn't be consumed.

The coconut meat can now be enjoyed as is, or used in a variety of recipes, adding a tropical flavor and a crunchy texture. It can be used in desserts, stir-fries, drinks, or even to make coconut cream, grated coconut, coconut oil, and other coconut products.

Using the leftover husk as a drinking vessel

Once you've opened your young coconut and enjoyed its sweet, refreshing water, you might want to use the leftover husk as a drinking vessel. Here's how to do it:

First, cut off the top of the husk. This will give you access to the coconut's shell. Cut about 0.75 inches below the top of the husk in a circular motion. You'll feel some resistance when your knife reaches the hard shell, and that's how you'll know how deep to cut. Once you've cut all the way around, the top of the husk should come off easily.

Now, you need to create an opening in the shell. Using a cleaver or a small axe, gently tap the surface of the shell, making a circle around the trimmed portion. Alternatively, you can use the sharp bottom edge of the cleaver to cut around the shell. Be careful not to use too much force, as the shell is fairly soft. With a few gentle taps or cuts, you should be able to lift and open the shell.

After you've opened the shell, pour out the coconut water into a separate container if you haven't already drunk it. Now, your coconut husk is ready to be used as a drinking vessel! You can fill it with your favourite beverage and enjoy the tropical vibes it brings to your drinking experience.

Remember to discard any leftover pulp and keep your work area clean and tidy. This will help you focus on working carefully with your knife or cleaver. Enjoy your freshly opened coconut and the unique drinking experience that comes with it!

Frequently asked questions