Have you ever wanted to use fresh coconut but just didn’t know how to get the thing open? Well, put your screwdrivers and hammers away because in this video, I show you the secret that makes cracking coconuts a breeze! Once open, the fresh white meat is revealed and you can eat it, grate it to use in recipes or even make your own coconut milk.
According to the Coconut Research Center:
The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means “monkey face” because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means “nut-bearing.”
Coconuts are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. The coconut water which is drained from the center of the coconut through the eyes (or indentations found on the end of the coconut) contain dietary fiber, proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and provides an isotonic electrolyte balance. It is a refreshing drink which is a healthy substitute to sports drinks. Coconut milk is different from the coconut water. Coconut milk is obtained by pressing the grated coconut or passing hot water through the grated coconut to extract the oils and flavors.
Although coconuts are grown around the world, the Philippines is the largest producer. In the United Stated, coconuts are grown without irrigation in Hawaii, south Florida and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands. Coconuts may also be grown and even reach maturity in areas such as deep south Texas, near Brownsville and on the northeast Texas coast at Galvaston Island but they are usually damaged in winter freezes.
Thanks to modern transportation, coconuts are available in most areas. With the method shown in the above video, anyone can crack a coconut and enjoy the fresh meat inside!
Sources: Coconut Research Center, Wikipedia
This post is part of: Fresh Bites, Whole Food Fridays
Do you have any tricks for choosing a ripe coconut? I stopped buying coconuts because I seemed to choose the overripe ones.
Sue, I have read that if you shake it and do not hear the water sloshing around, it is old and the water has dried up.
Great information! Thanks so much for sharing! I am going to have to find some fresh coconuts now!
To you have teacher training? Your instructions were beautifully clear.
Eileen, thanks for the compliment. I do home educate our children – does that count?
This was a great tutorial! I bought a coconut a few months ago, but had the hardest time getting the goodies out. I’m excited to try agin. And YES, homeschooling counts as teacher training
Great video! Love how you made it so easy! I usually cut straight into the coconut, but this is so much easier.
Wow, I had no idea it was that easy! Thanks!
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Wow, I can’t wait to try this. I finally gave up on buying fresh coconuts because I couldn’t get them open without using practically every tool that my husband owns…and then I ended up with bits of shell and brown hairs all over everything. My grocery store has just started carrying young coconuts (the white ones) and I will definitely be picking one up the next time I’m in there! Thank you!
Great! Finally I found what I was looking for. Thanks a lot!
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