Fresh Young Coconut: Aromatic Uses And Benefits

Young coconuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. They have a sleek green exterior and the flesh inside has a softer, more palatable texture, making them ideal for use in food and beverage recipes. The coconut water inside can be used in drinks or as part of a broth, adding a subtle tropical tang to your creations. In this article, we will guide you through the process of opening a young coconut and explore the different ways you can use its water and meat to enhance your culinary creations.

How to open a young coconut

Opening a young coconut can be intimidating, but it is a skill that anyone can learn. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to open a young coconut safely and efficiently.

First, gather your materials. You will need a steady and safe work surface, such as a large cutting board, and a sharp, strong knife or a meat cleaver. A non-slip mat under your cutting board can also help to keep it in place. Keep a dish towel nearby to wipe up any spills, and if you plan on drinking the coconut water, have a straw or a glass ready.

Next, prepare the coconut. Often, the green outer layer (exocarp) has already been shaved off, leaving a fibrous husk (mesocarp). If not, you will need to shave off this outer layer until you reach the hard shell (endocarp).

Now, it's time to make the cuts. 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 for safety. Use the bottom corner of your blade, holding it at a 45-degree angle, to make the first cut. Strike hard enough to crack the inner shell, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches below the tip of the coconut. Practice a few slow strikes first to get your aim and force right. Make three more cuts in the same manner, forming a "U" shape around the top of the coconut. The final cut will "connect the dots" to form a square.

With the cuts made, you can now pry open the "lid" of the coconut using the corner of your blade. If it doesn't open easily, you may need to make deeper cuts.

At this point, you can drink the coconut water directly from the coconut with a straw, or invert the coconut over a glass to collect it. Young coconuts typically yield about 10 ounces of water.

To access the soft white flesh inside, turn the coconut on its side. Hold the cleaver at a 45-degree angle and strike firmly, so the blade stays stuck in the coconut when you lift the handle. Then, holding the handle, whack the coconut on your work surface a few times until it splits open. Use a spoon to scrape out and enjoy the creamy coconut meat.

How to drink fresh coconut water

Coconut water is a delicious, natural drink that is loaded with health benefits. It is a great way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, especially after a workout. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to drink fresh coconut water:

Gather Your Materials:

You will need a steady and safe work surface, such as a large cutting board, and a good quality knife or cleaver. A straw is also useful for drinking the water. Keep a dish towel nearby to wipe up any spills.

Prepare the Coconut:

Start by cutting the husk down to the hard shell. Use a sharp knife or the bottom edge of a cleaver to carefully cut the shell around the coconut. Make sure to keep your fingers and thumbs wrapped around the coconut, not sticking up, for safety.

Cut and Pry Open the Coconut:

Using the bottom corner of the blade, make a cut at a 45-degree angle, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches below the tip of the coconut. For your next cut, turn the coconut so that this new cut is perpendicular to the first one. Make your third cut parallel to the first, forming a "U" shape. Finally, make a fourth cut to "connect the dots" and form a square around the top of the coconut.

Using the corner of the blade, carefully pry open the "lid" of the coconut. If it doesn't open easily, you may need to make deeper cuts.

Drink the Coconut Water:

Now you can enjoy the fresh coconut water! Insert a straw and drink directly from the coconut, or pour the water into a glass to drink or save for later. Most young coconuts yield about 10 ounces of coconut water, so have a tall glass or cup ready.

Scrape Out the Coconut Flesh (Optional):

If you want to enjoy the soft white flesh inside the coconut, turn the coconut on its side. Using your knife or cleaver, strike firmly into the coconut at a 45-degree angle. Strike hard enough so that the blade stays stuck in the coconut when you lift the handle. Then, whack the coconut onto your work surface a few times until it splits open. Use a spoon to scrape out and enjoy the coconut flesh.

Fresh coconut water is a refreshing and healthy treat, and with a little practice, you'll be able to open and enjoy it in no time!

How to extract coconut meat

To extract the meat from a coconut, you'll first need to crack it open. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Tools

You will need a steady and safe work surface, such as a large cutting board, and a large, good-quality meat cleaver or a large knife. You might also want a straw to drink the coconut water. Keep a dish towel nearby to wipe up any spills.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut

If your coconut has a husk, you'll need to cut it down to the hard shell.

Step 3: Find the Coconut's "Face"

Notice that there are three ridges on the outside of the shell running from one end to the other, dividing the nut into thirds. The ridges all come together in a small point at the "butt" end. The "face" end will have three darker, circular plugged pores.

Step 4: Drain the Coconut Water (Optional)

Two of the three "eyes" will be hard, while the third will be soft. Use a small, sharp tool like a knife, screwdriver, or corkscrew to poke a hole in the soft eye. Drain the coconut water into a bowl, jar, or cup. You can store the coconut water in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator or freeze it in ice cube trays.

Step 5: Cut the Coconut in Half

Locate the coconut's equator—a thin line along the middle of the coconut, also known as its natural centre point. This is where it will be easiest to open the coconut and break it cleanly in half. Tap along the equator gently with a hammer or mallet until the coconut cracks in half.

Step 6: Pry Open the Coconut

If your coconut doesn't separate naturally, gently pry it open by placing a dull knife in the crack and applying leverage. Alternatively, you can firmly grasp both halves and forcefully twist them apart.

Step 7: Remove the Coconut Meat

Hold a coconut section in one hand and a curved-edge knife in the other. Cut into the coconut, pressing down until you reach the shell. Make your cut perpendicular to the coconut's cracked edge, cutting deep enough so that you feel the hard inner shell. Then, angle your next cut against the previous cut to form an upside-down V. Press deep enough into this cut to touch the shell. Finally, pry the meat from this cut section using a dull knife. Repeat this process to cut and remove the rest of the coconut meat.

Tips:

• If there's no liquid inside the coconut, put your thumb over the pierced eye to create air pressure inside, which will make it easier to crack.
• You can also try scooping the meat out with a spoon.
• Place the coconut in a plastic bag before hitting it with a hammer to avoid making a mess.
• For an easier method, refrigerate the coconut for 5-6 hours or overnight. Take it out and allow it to rest for half an hour before cracking it open with a hammer. The shell should come off easily.
• Young, green coconuts have softer shells and can be cut open with a sharp knife. The meat is usually soft and can be easily scraped out with a spoon.

Health benefits of young coconuts

Young coconuts are not only delicious, but they also offer a range of health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider incorporating young coconuts into your diet:

Nutritional Content:

Young coconuts are packed with essential nutrients. The coconut meat, or the white flesh inside the coconut, is rich in fiber and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). It is also a good source of manganese, copper, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Manganese plays a crucial role in enzyme function and fat metabolism, while copper supports bone formation and heart health.

Improved Heart Health:

The coconut meat contains coconut oil, which has been linked to improved heart health. Studies have shown that consuming coconut oil can increase HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. These improvements in cholesterol levels may lead to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Weight Loss:

The MCTs in young coconuts may aid in weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness, increasing calorie burning, and enhancing fat burning. Additionally, the high fiber content of coconut meat can help prevent overeating by keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

Digestive Health:

Young coconuts are an excellent source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health. The fiber in coconuts helps bulk up your stool and supports bowel regularity, ensuring the smooth functioning of your digestive system. The high-fat content of coconuts also assists in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Improved Endurance:

Young coconuts contain large amounts of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are easily digestible and provide a boost in endurance for trained athletes. The MCFAs are more readily metabolized by the body compared to long-chain fatty acids found in animal fats.

Oral Health:

The antimicrobial properties of coconut meat can help prevent infections related to root canals and other dental issues. While maintaining proper dental hygiene is crucial, incorporating young coconuts into your diet can support oral health by reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Alternative to Sports Drinks:

Coconut water, which is the clear liquid inside young coconuts, is a natural source of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. It contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Coconut water can be a great alternative to sports drinks, especially if you're looking for a low-calorie option to stay hydrated during workouts.

Where to buy young coconuts

Young coconuts are available at most grocery stores. If you are in the US, you can also order them online from Amazon.com, where they are sold in packs of six.

If you are in Florida, you can order fresh Floridian young coconuts from Nauti Coconuts. They are available in Collier County, Lee County, and Pinellas County, and cost $5.00 each, with a minimum order of 15 coconuts for delivery.

Coco Reserve also delivers premium Florida farm-fresh coconuts to individuals.

When buying young coconuts, choose heavy coconuts with no cracks, mould, or soft wet spots. Give the coconut a shake; it should be full of liquid with no air inside, so it shouldn't slosh much.

Frequently asked questions