How to open a coconut?

In this short article, we will answer the question “How to open a coconut?” by showing you different ways of doing so. We will also share with you ideas of how to use the coconut flesh and skin after opening it.

How to open a coconut?

To begin using any of the techniques, drain the water through one of the three holes each fruit has on one end. There is just one of them that can be pierced. The water should be poured into a glass using a corkscrew.

Method 1:

Some people continue to favour the machete approach. These daring individuals follow one of the lines that extend from the coconut holes to the other end in this instance.

They strike the curved portion of the coconut with the other hand, accurately and firmly, using the part of a large knife opposite the blade while holding the coconut in one hand. The line and the knife are parallel.

The coconut splits in two as a result of constant hammering while spinning it. The next step is to loosen the fruit by running the knife tip along the edge, between the pulp and the peel.

Method 2

Although some people are aware of it while others have never heard of it, the oven method is the most refined. Coconut water can be consumed while the oven is heating to 200°C. 15 minutes should be spent with the fruit directly on the rack.

After flipping it over, wait another 15 minutes. It will crack at that point, and there will even be sounds to mark the occasion. When taken out of the oven, use a screwdriver to pry off the skins while they are still warm.

How can I make use of the coconut’s skin and flesh?

Coconut skin can be used to make organic fertilizer, and the pulp can be used in cooking. Why not use the coconut shell as natural fertilizer rather than toss it away?

For instance, composting is a technique that entails turning organic waste into nutrient-rich material that may be used to feed potted plants and vegetable gardens. Anyone who aspires to live a more ecologically conscious lifestyle should take note of this advice!

Contrarily, the coconut flesh can be eaten as a mid-afternoon snack or utilized to produce coconut milk, puddings, mousse, grated coconut sweet, and various cakes and smoothies. It’s wonderful!

The coconut flesh can be used in the following ways:

Homemade coconut milk

It makes all the difference to prepare coconut milk at home. And it’s easy: just beat the fresh coconut with water and strain. You can over-prepare and freeze for up to three months. And just taste it once and you’ll never want to use industrialized coconut milk again.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of freshly grated coconut (about 200 g or a small coconut)
  • 1 cup (tea) of filtered water

Method of preparation:

  1. In a blender, add the coconut and water and blend until it becomes a white liquid (about 5 minutes). Because it is natural, it will not have the thickness or the super white colour of industrialized products.
  1. In a clean dish towel (or new cloth diaper), strain the mixture over a bowl, squeezing well with your hands to extract all the milk. 
  1. Now just use it in preparations such as stews, sauces, smoothies or sweets. Coconut milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Use the leftover coconut pomace in another recipe. See an idea below:

French grated coconut candy (REUSE of pomace)

A good ingredient has to be used and that’s how it is with fresh coconut: the pomace left over from homemade coconut milk turns into a delicious grated coconut candy. And if you want to make just the candy, without the bagasse, we also teach you how.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh grated coconut
  • 2 cups (tea) coconut pomace
  • 1 egg white
  • ½ cup (tea) of sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt

Method of preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (low temperature). With a brush or paper towel, grease a large baking sheet with oil.
  2. In a bowl, combine the grated coconut, coconut pomace, sugar, salt and egg white. Mix just to form a dough.
  3. Moisten your hands to shape a ball with about 1 tablespoon of the dough and transfer to the roast. Repeat with all the dough, leaving a space of 3 cm between each cookie. 
  4. Bake for about 30 minutes, until firm and released from the pan.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool before serving. Grated coconut candy lasts up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion:

In this short article, we answered the question “How to open a coconut?” by showing you different ways of doing so. We have also shared with you ideas of how to use the coconut flesh and skin after opening it.

References:

https://www.alphafoodie.com/how-to-open-a-coconut/