Asian, Indian and Latin American cuisines use coconut flesh to give meals a wonderfully rich, subtle flavor. The coconut water is quite nutritious and can be used in recipes to add flavor to sauces and other drinks. It will normally pop into two pieces. Use a screwdriver to gently make a hole in the softest coconut eye and the other two eyes. Flaked coconut makes a wonderful addition to frosting recipes, and pieces of fresh coconut make a healthy and nutritious Paleo or Ketogenic snack. Freeze at zero degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. You can also make homemade coconut milk by combining the coconut meat and water in a blender and pulsing it to a liquid form. I have updated the post to show how to buy and open a coconut, as well as giving ideas for recipes to use the meat. If you want to learn how to buy and store dried coconut, keep reading the article! The liquid contains amino acids and electrolytes and sources claim that it has antioxidant benefits. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. You can use either shredded fresh coconut or chunks of fresh coconut meat. Whole Foods sometimes sells opened coconut. Fresh coconuts yield healthy coconut water, edible coconut meat and, if you properly dry and preserve it, a shell that you can use as a small bowl. Just gently hit it as you rotate it and it will open. I have not seen it packaged that way so I am not sure whether the slickness means that the coconut has gone bad. It will keep for up to four months stored this way. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; That’s a young coconut, the meat gets thicker as it ages. I am assuming the whole husk is intact, not the coconuts that have had the husk taken off on the top. Store desiccated and shredded coconut in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry cupboard. Coconut butter and oil are different things, but you store them in the same way. First, it’s helpful to heat up the entire coconut so the meat will loosen more easily from the thick, hard coconut shell. You will know immediately if it is moldy. It is best to use fresh coconut quickly if you can. Super delicious coconut macaroons handmade from premium flake, non-GMO, organic coconut. Thank-you!!! amzn_assoc_asins = "B00BNW9BR2,B0000EIEMH,B0155BJFF4,B006OCS5ZU,B076D9JZDR"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; For longer storage, grate the whole coconut pieces, squeeze out the liquid and place in the freezer. I will show you how to buy the best coconuts, how to crack them open and how to store coconut meat to keep it from going bad. You don’t have to make a trip to the tropics to enjoy fresh coconut. Use a butter knife to pry the coconut from the shell. Where can I buy a real brown coconut in the Eastchester area. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. You will be able to locate the eyes of the coconut by looking on the ends. I don’t know but im afraid to keep mine more than a few days. Would you like a reminder of these tips for storing and using fresh coconut? Grated, fresh coconut should be put in a tightly sealed container or plastic bag. Unopened canned coconut can be stored at room temperature for up to 18 months. Once you have brought home a fresh coconut, it will stay fresh at room temperature for up to four months as long as you keep it in a cool. The Gardening Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They are available year round, but best from October to December. someone gave me a coconut which had the shell removed…it was packaged that way. Your coconut won’t have a chance to spoil if you use it in several of recipes! Your coconut is definitely not edible. good one. The thin brown skin of a coconut is edible and contains a lot of fiber. Place the container into the refrigerator. When you buy your dried coconut, check on which preservatives are in it, if any. Cut fresh coconut into chunks and use it to garnish mixed drinks and cocktails. Make sure that you have a good selection of coconuts to choose from. A jar with a re-sealable lid works perfect to keep coconut fresh and handy. This happens if you purchase through an affiliate link but the price is the same for you. Give it a shake every day. It’s not just for recipes. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Place a whole mature coconut in a preheated oven at 180C/350F/Gas 4 for 15 minutes. You can also use coconut milk in making the drinks themselves. Short Term Coconut Storage Chunks of meat from an opened coconut may be refrigerated in an airtight container for about 1 week. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Watch a youtube video on how to open it without losing the precious water and what to do with it after getting into the shell. Once the coconut has been cracked, place the fresh coconut pieces into a plastic container or zip lock bag. Use a butter knife to pry the coconut from the shell. Then, set the coconut aside to cool. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you search this on google, you might come up with some suggestions. Use a hammer to hit the center of the coconut while you turn it. Many stores and Farmer’s Markets sell coconuts year round. In order to get the best taste out of your coconut, you should take steps to ensure that you’re buying the best product and storing it properly. Be sure to examine it when you get it open. How do I know if this is a good coconut? Required fields are marked *. You can put the coconut milk in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer as well. Shake the coconut gently – a fresh coconut full of water will feel heavy and you’ll hear the water sloshing. It works best if you push the knife in as far as you can to try and get big pieces of coconut flesh. There are so many other ways to use coconut oil in the home. The coconut you buy in the store is pure white, it does not have brown bits in it. Thanks for this website. Any yellow flesh should be discarded but the pure white flesh should taste just fine. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Coconut Opener| Coconut Opener Kit with Hammer Stainless Steel Opening Utensil Premium Wooden Handle| Coconut spoon| Drinking Straws| Straw Cleaner| Coconut Opener Tool Set for Coconuts Drinks (11pcs), Ken's CocoMon Coconut Opener Tool + Stainless Straw for Fresh GREEN Young Fruit Black Rubber Handle EZ Easy Grip SAFE with Stainless Steel Drinking Straws (1 CocoMon + 1 Straw), HouseHoo Coconut Scraper, Coconut Meat Removal Knife, Set of 2 Stainless Steel Coconut Grater Slicer, Multi-Purpose Stainless Steel Planer, Storing Fresh Coconut – How to Purchase, Open and Use Coconut Meat. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Storing fresh coconut flesh once you have cracked the coconut is easy. The easiest way to store coconut water is to put it into the fridge, but it will only last for 1-2 days. The un-shredded fresh coconut will keep for four to five days. Copyright & Permissions © 2020 – Carol G Speake.  Click to see our Privacy policy. In the photo above, the eye on the right side is darker around the edges and looks a bit different. If you did decide to brave eating a piece, you would probably find that it doesn't have much (or any!) Shredded Coconut: To make shredded coconut, grate the coconut meat using a fine grater. [1] X Research source You can eat it or remove it as desired. Use the hammer and nail to pierce a hole in each of the coconut's three "eyes." The flesh is pure coconut heaven. Most modern cooks think of coconut for using in puddings and baked goods but there are so many other ways to use it. (This will help shrink the flesh from the shell). A coconut has eye holes on the end stem. I bought a coconut today, most people avoid whole coconut in the store because they don't know how easy it will be to open it when they get home. Although it’s considered a healthy food, coconut is relatively high calories, though most of them come from good fats. However the gel around the coconut is very good and nutritious. Last Updated: October 8, 2020 Coconuts have an amazing ability to stay fresh for months on end but there are some ways that one can deteriorate if not used. Look at the eyes of the coconut and find the one which seems to be the softest. Seal the container tightly. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze it in ice cube trays or plastic zip lock bags. One medium coconut will yield 3 to 4 cups of grated meat. If the liquid from the coconut tasted bitter, it may mean that the coconut meat will not taste very sweet. Commercial coconut has it removed to keep the mixture white. Then strain it through a coffee filter to remove the solids. Place the container into the refrigerator. I also like knowing how long they will stay good in the refrigerator, and all the other wonderful hints you gave! To choose a good one, lift it. Do you enjoy cooking with coconut oil? Just press the point of the screwdriver into the eye and tap it with a hammer to go through the flesh until you reach the center. The milk is wonderful as a base of many recipes, including Indian curry dishes. The Coconut is surrounded by a large cover of bast which we must get rid of before we can open the coconut. Gently rotate and tap with the hammer until the coconut splits into two pieces. I love to snack on fresh coconut. Place the whole coconut onto a baking sheet and pop it into the oven for around 20 minutes. Grated fresh coconut should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to a week and in the freezer for 6 months. This might be at a grocery store near you with a great produce section, or perhaps you know of a coconut tree nearby. When you purchase a coconut … Do you just snack on your coconut meat or do you use it in recipes? Coconut milk is a great dairy substitute and coconut oil is a preferred oil for cooking for Paleo, Vegan and Whole30 diets. Place the screwdriver on the eye and it with the hammer. That’s called a young coconut and is used for the water mainly. However, if the outside of the coconut turns grey or the meat inside turns a yellowish color, the coconut is expired and should not be eaten. Very different from the young coconuts. The finished bowl makes a practical vessel for holding dry items, or you can simply preserve it as a decoration. Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste. The chunks of fresh coconut will keep for four to five days, and shredded fresh coconut will keep for one to two days. It works best if you push the knife in as far as you can to try and get large pieces of coconut flesh. It’s simple to do: add several tablespoons of the fresh coconut meat to half a cup of vodka in a small glass container with a tight fitting lid. All natural, naturally gluten free, and the perfect size for gifts, … There are so many uses for fresh coconut. I love anything coconut. If you buy a rancid coconut by accident, return it to the store. You should also consider the expiration date, if there is one. Find a place to buy coconuts. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to six months. The key is that they stay in a cool place. Examine the other areas of the coconut shell. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You can buy many different kinds of coconut, especially at health food stores that specialize in alternatives to dairy. Browner coconuts are older, and greener ones are younger. Although the best coconut season is from October to December, coconuts are being harvested all year long. Coconut is not really the best choice for you to eat liberally if you are counting your calories. You don’t have to hit the coconut hard. Preheat your oven to 350°F. To buy and store coconut, start by choosing a coconut that feels heavy and full, which is a sign that it has a lot of meat and juice in it. You should also examine the coconut and make sure it doesn't have any mold or wetness on the outside. To make it, just blend 6 tablespoons (88.7 ml) of coconut oil with 4 tablespoons (59.1 ml) of baking powder and 4 tablespoons (59.1 ml) of cornstarch. If you break open your coconut but don't eat it all, store the leftover meat in the fridge for up to a week, or you can keep it in the freezer where it will stay good for several months. To open the coconut, simply tap (ok…whack) the coconut around the midline with the back of a cleaver. The slick coconut is a fresh raw immature coconut. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Expired food can make you sick. The exception might be homemade coconut oil deodorant cream, which quickly absorbs into the skin and keeps you dry and fresh. Thanks for the tips 😄. Opening coconuts is not easy and requires great care. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. If you finished hammering your slice rip it off (picture 2 and 3). flavour. Thin strips of fresh coconut are tossed with brown sugar and white pepper, then given a quick turn in the oven until fragrant and golden. I agree with ChefOno, the only way to know is opening up and taking a sniff. 2. Shred it and add it to curry dishes. The bast hood is really strong so make your slices thin. Once I managed to get it open, there was only a thin layer of coconut and it was slick…there was very little aroma but lots of juice. This is the hardest part! The trick is keeping it cool. Just insert a straw and drink it, or flip it over and slowly empty the water into a container. www.fresh-fruit-daily.com has lots of information about storing fresh fruit (I know coconut is a seed and not a fruit, but still might be of use to you) Coconut meat is high in fat and calories while moderate in carbs and protein. Here are some tips to make sure that it stays fresh as long as possible. thank you thegardeningcook for giving me wonderful information. The tasty coconut is so versatile that it even has its own day – National Coconut Day on June 26! Hope it works. Whole coconuts can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months. Set it aside in a cool dark place for 7 to 10 days. Basically you can break the thin layer of meat with a straw/spoon/you finger and enjoy the water. They also wrap the semi-opened coconut with plastic foil completely and place it in shallow ice water. But now you have the problem of storing fresh coconut. A damp coconut likely means that there is a crack or multiple cracks and the water has started to drain out. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. A browner coconut will have more white meat on the inside, while a green coconut will be filled with more electrolyte-filled juice. amzn_assoc_title = ""; Pumpkin Cake with Toasted Coconut Frosting, ← Hosta Companion Plants – Growing Hostas with Shade Loving Plants, Crassula Ovata ‘Hobbit’ – Tips for Growing Hobbit Jade Plant →. Cut it into thin strips and heat it in a skillet over low heat to make “coconut toast.”. wikiHow's. Coconut Recipes | How to store grated coconut - Saffron Trail The meat can be tough to dislodge. Place the container in the refrigerator to store. Coconut milk is not the thin liquid that drains from a fresh coconut when split open; it is made from a process of cooking shredded coconut meat and water. Fresh un-cracked coconuts can be stored at room temperature for up to four months, but this depends a bit on their original freshness when they were purchased. If using the oven method to dehydrate the coconut, prop the oven open slightly to help lower the temperature if your oven doesn’t go as low as 95 degrees and keep a close eye on the coconut. If you want to learn how to buy and store dried coconut, keep reading the article! Are you supposed to eat the fibrous dark brown outside attached to the white coconut flesh? wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. It is also suitable for adding a tangy taste to soups, meat and poultry. (**)", http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/perfect_prod_detail.asp?ppid=29, http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/how-to-break-down-a-coconut.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85uz6owig-Y, http://thenaughtyvegan.com/how-to-remove-coconut-meat.htm, http://www.eatbydate.com/fruits/fresh/how-long-do-coconuts-last-shelf-life/, http://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-coconut-water-273i, http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16916, http://www.thekitchn.com/a-complete-guide-to-storing-your-flour-204729, http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/06/30/coconut-butter-and-coconut-oil/, https://kelapo.com/frequently-asked-questions/, Acquistare e Conservare una Noce di Cocco, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Once you've chosen and purchased a coconut, store it at room temperature for up to a week, or keep it in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "thegarcoo-20"; Since the brown part contains fiber, I would think that it would help with digestion, not cause issues. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more... Coconut is a delicious and healthy food to eat, whether it’s fresh coconut meat or dried coconut pieces. After a couple of good whacks, you will hear a crack. Dehydrate the coconut at the lowest setting (I used 95 F) until completely dried. To do so hammer thin slices into the bast hood of the coconut (picture 1). Since all of the coconut can be used in the kitchen, you will want to know how to make it really last. You can use the flesh or water to make soups and stews as well as curries. (It will take a while for the liquid to drain from the coconut.). You can drink this water or store it. It isn't a guarantee that the one you choose is a good one, but it does help to suggest that the batch is a good. I bought 3 on friday from whole foods, opened two and froze the meat and juice separately (you could also blend together and freeze) and then I opened the last one on Sunday night and it was perfect, lots … Although the best coconut season is from October to December, coconuts are being harvested all year long. ", "Keeping the coconut in a air tight container stood out.". This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. See links below this card for the products on Amazon. Be sure to leave some room in the container for expansion when freezing. Refrigerate shredded fresh coconut will only last one to two days, so it is best to shred it right before you need to use it. Coconut milk blends beautifully with many dishes, including curries, soups and sauces. For longer storage, grate the whole coconut pieces, squeeze out the liquid and place in the freezer. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. It is also more rounded. Coconut water is mainly made of water – in fact, 94% is water. (Often it will not just feel softer but may appear to look a bit different, too.). Even if you hear a lot of liquid inside the fruit, if that water shows near the eyes, it could mean that it is starting to mold. Chunks of fresh coconut stay fresh in the fridge for several days if stored in water which is changed daily. Keep turning and tapping and within seconds, the coconut will have split! Often, a store will have a coconut opened for you to see the quality of that batch. Put the coconut halves on a shelf in a preheated 400ºF (200ºC) for 20 minutes, which will help separated the meat from the shell. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; When you shred the coconut, do you leave that brown part on? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 245,410 times. "I have bought a coconut that wasn't good before, so it was great to learn how to improve my chances of buying a, "It was a quick reminder/refresher of what I was taught at home. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. One of the keys to maintaining the freshness of coconut is making sure that you keep it cool and dry. This article has been viewed 245,410 times. You can also use a corkscrew, if you have one, to open it like you would open a bottle of wine. These areas are usually the weakest. Admin note:  This post first appeared on the blog in August of 2013. Examine them to make sure that there is no mold or moisture there. This section of moisture may be most obvious around the area of the softest eye. Place the coconut over the glass or bowl, eyes downward, to drain its milk. Still totally edible and delicious, though not as “coconutty” as the older kinds. What they do is they break a hole on the top of the shell but leave the thin layer of meat unbroken. If your coconut looks or tastes “off,” do not eat it! A lot of liquid means that the coconut is fresher. A healthy and tasty coconut will feel heavy for its size since it normally means that it has more liquid inside. % of people told us that this article helped them. You can use the flesh for shakes or puddings even tho there is less of it than a mature coconut. I have no idea. A single coconut will give you 3 or 4 cups cups of fresh, flaked coconut. 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