In
my book, Vice Cream, I call for the use of coconut water, as well as coconut milk. This
section is for those who want some instruction on how to select and open a young (Thai) coconut, as well
as how to remove the "meat".
- Jeff Rogers
How to open a young coconut - page 1
How to open a young coconut - page 2
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While holding the base of the coconut, hold the coconut firmly against the edge of a sturdy countertop. Change your grip on the knife so your palm will be pushing the knife away from you.
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Slowly push the knife away from you in a curved motion. As long as your knife is sharp, this should be fairly easy. Only cut about 1/4 of the way around. |
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Turn the coconut in a clockwise motion to bring the knife back to where you started. |
Repeat the cutting and turning process until you have completed a circle around the coconut. |
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This is the completed cut. In the beginning, the cut may not be perfectly round. With practice you can usually create a nice round cut. If you use a different type of knife, such as a shorter or narrower blade, you may not have as consistent a result. |
Lift the lid to find the refreshing coconut water inside, as well as the wonderful "meat" also known as coconut "jelly". |
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Drop a glass straw into the coconut and you have a delightful drink (and no trash, just a washable straw and a compostable shell!) |
NOTE: If you cut too wide a lid, the coconut will likely start leaking. With the knife still in the coconut (if you have not completed the cut yet), lift the coconut up over a blender top or bowl, etc., turn the coconut sideways and carefully give the knife a twist. This will allow some of the coconut water to drain out prior to continuing the cutting process.
If you have a difficult time cutting through the top of the coconut, consider trimming off some of the white husk before continuing. Use a serrated knife or chef knife to trim the husk off, then try again. If you prefer this method, then simply start the process by trimming the husk off the cone part of the coconut before opening the coconut.
Removing the
"meat":
To remove the coconut meat (jelly) simply use a spoon. The meat will vary in it's thickness and texture, so it may sometimes be tough. While holding the spoon upright, slide it between the meat and the shell and slide it around the coconut. Then push it farther into the coconut and repeat the process. You should be able to pull out a large piece of coconut as a result. Then turn the spoon over and scrape the remaining meat out.
Alternatively, once the liquid is out of the coconut, you can use a meat cleaver or machete to cut the coconut in half. This can be messy and will leave more shell chips to pick out of the meat. If you choose this method, be sure to keep your hands away from the coconut and use a cutting board. I do not recommend this method, though some prefer it.
Back to Opening a young coconut Page 1
For instructions on how to open a mature coconut CLICK HERE!
For instructions on removing the coconut "meat" CLICK HERE!
For instructions on how to shred coconut CLICK HERE!
For instructions on making fresh (raw) coconut "milk" CLICK HERE!
How to open a young coconut...
Raw Food-Related and other
pages from SoyStache.com (a vegan site):
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The Naughty Vegan Home Page / Purchase Book / Biography / Ice Cream Makers / Kitchen Extras / How to open a mature coconut / How to open a young coconut / Durian: The King of Fruit!
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