Have you ever imagined yourself walking along the beach in a tropical paradise and finding a coconut in the sand? We already know that you can stick a straw in a coconut and drink the coconut water. Even more common is coconut oil, which can be used during cooking as well as for beauty routines. But how many of us can say we have actually eaten the flesh of a coconut? Most people aren’t even sure how to properly open a coconut, let alone how to eat raw coconut.
Coconuts have amazing health benefits. A small amount of coconut oil is a great moisturizer for your hair and skin during the dryer months. There have also been several studies conducted on the connection between coconut consumption and heart health, and the results have been promising. This article will teach you all about how to eat a raw coconut.
More useful tips for your daily eating are awaiting you!
How Do You Open a Coconut?
The outside of coconut is usually brown in color and covered in a stringy material. The coconut shell is very hard and can not easily be opened. The good news is, that you do not need a special kind of tool to crack open a coconut. All you need is a solid surface with a corner.
- Find a nearby solid corner. If you are inside, most kitchen counter corners will work. If you are outside, you could find a pointed rock or use the edge of a step.
- Place a container under the corner. This will be used to catch any liquid that escapes from the coconut once you crack it open.
- Take the coconut in your hands it hit it against the corner. Continue driving it into the corner until the coconut cracks open.
- Once you have the coconut cracked open, take a knife or a spoon and run it along the inside of the coconut to remove the meat.
Another Way To Open Up
If you are not keen on bludgeoning a coconut until it opens or doesn’t have a sharp corner nearby, there is also another method that only involves the oven, a hammer, and a screwdriver.
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the coconut on a baking sheet, and then place the baking sheet into the oven. Set the timer for 20 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, remove the coconut from the oven and let it cool down.
- Look for the “eyes” of the coconut, there should be three of them located near the stem.
- Poke the softest “eye” with the screwdriver, and then tip the coconut upside down and drain the water into a bowl.
- Wrap up the coconut in a dishtowel. Firmly tap a hammer against the coconut hole. Eventually, the coconut will break into two.
How Do You Eat Raw Coconut?
Raw coconut can be eaten directly out of the coconut. Some people like to eat small bites of coconut as a light afternoon snack. You can also grate the coconut and turn it into coconut shreds. Coconut shreds can be added on top of any dessert, yogurt, or smoothie. Whether you choose to eat the coconut in chunks or shredded, try adding coconut to any of these meals:
- Vegetable or fruit salads
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Smoothies or smoothie bowls
- Coconut cake
- Trail mix
What Parts of a Coconut Can You Eat or Use?
- Coconut shells: The coconut shell is the outer brown layer that is covered in a stringy husk. The coconut shell protects the skin, meat, and water inside of the coconut. In general, most people will not try to eat the coconut shell. However, that does not mean you need to discard and waste the shell. You can find plenty of methods for drying out the coconut shell and using it for bowls, jewelry, and so much more.
- Coconut skin: The coconut skin is a thin film that separates the coconut shell from the flesh. Although the coconut skin is edible, it, unfortunately, has a bitter taste that most people do not like. In most cases, it is best to just scrape the coconut skin off and throw it away.
- Coconut meat: Coconut meat is what most people eat from the coconut. It is white in color and can be eaten raw and cooked. If you want coconut milk, shred the coconut flesh and mix it in with water.
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Coconuts?
Coconut differentiates itself from other fruits in the sense that it is higher in fat than it is in carbs. Coconuts mostly contain important minerals, protein, and vitamin B. Coconuts have also been linked to lowering cholesterol, are filled with antioxidants, and are rich with omega-6 fatty acids. For anyone who is on a ketogenic diet, where they eat more fats than carbs, coconuts would be an excellent way to squash your sweet tooth. However, if you have health concerns that cause you to limit your fat intake, coconuts may not be the best option for you.
Conclusion
Coconut is a deliciously sweet treat that is perfect for more than just desserts. If you have never tried a raw coconut, you now have the tools to go out and eat one. Some people find enjoyment in slamming a coconut against a hard surface to get it to open. Others prefer baking the coconut and then gently prying it open. Either way, the inside of the coconut will be filled with yummy coconut meat, which can definitely be eaten raw!
Make sure you do not get carried away with eating the entire coconut. Because coconut is high in saturated fats, that means it is not suitable for consumption in large amounts. Stick to just a few bites or a couple of spoons of grated coconut. If you wish to eat coconuts, try to only eat meat from younger coconuts, due to their lesser fat count. Coconuts usually have a strong taste, so you likely will not find yourself craving large amounts!
