Lay out a large knife (cleaver-style) and a serrated knife. We are going to open a young coconut, folks. Young coconut meat can be used in recipes like SuperFood Smoothies, Raw Fresh Mint Ice Cream and Raw Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes. The water from young coconuts is delicious and hydrating on it’s own (great for pre- and post-workout), used in recipes like Vegan Pumpkin Protein Pancakes or blended with the meat to create fresh, Raw Coconut Milk for recipes like Mixed Vegetable Curry with Brown Basmati Rice.
With your serrated knife, shave off the husk around the top of the coconut until you hit the shell. Then take the heel of the large knife and firmly break through the shell. Drain the water from the coconut if you need to at this point. If it’s spilling out, you need to. Keep a large bowl nearby to catch the water. I usually wedge my cleaver in the newly-made slice and twist the blade to open the slice a bit more for the water to escape. Once drained, continue cutting into the shell 3/4 way around the top of the coconut. Peel back the newly-made “lid” from the coconut.
Pour the water from inside the coconut into a bowl if you haven’t already. You can then strain the water through a cheesecloth, tight strainer or nut milk bag
Use a spoon to scoop out all the coconut meat. This is an immature coconut, so the flesh should easily separate from the coconut shell. It’s texture is very similar to the white of a hard-boiled egg.
You can use the coconut meat right away in recipes for ice cream, smoothies, whipped cream, etc. Or if you want to save time, open up a bunch of young coconuts and freeze the meat to use when needed. Refrigerate the water and drink or use in recipes within 2-3 days.
Coconut water helps dissolve kidney stones, protects against cancer, helps balance blood sugar, provides a source of ionic trace minerals, improves digestion, feeds friendly gut bacteria, helps relieve constipation, reduces risk of heart disease, improves blood circulation, lowers high blood pressure, improves blood cholesterol levels, helps prevent arteriosclerosis, enhances immune function, and possesses some remarkable anti-aging properties (certain components of coconut water are now being incorporated into anti-wrinkle face creams).
Not bad, eh?
NOTE: Look for young coconuts in your local health food or Asian grocery store. Ask your grocer to stock them if they don’t already.
Don’t want to open a young coconut, but want the goods inside?
The smart folks at RawGuru.com have Organic Young Coconut Meat (Vacuum Sealed). Just freeze or refrigerate for up to one week and use as needed.
Where to purchase young coconuts online:
Amazon carries:
Fresh Young Coconuts (Set of 3)
RawGuru carries:
Organic Young Green Coconuts (Case 10)
Organic Young Thai Coconuts (15lb Case)
Raw, Organic, Young Green Coconut Water (8, 16 oz bottles)
Raw, Organic, Young Green Coconut Water (Gallon)
Recommended tools:
Variety of Cleavers
Oxo Good Grips Serrated Knife
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