Thai Foodcast

Fresh Coconut (also called green or young) looks different than the normal coconuts that you might buy at the supermarket. They are usually sold with the husk still around the hard shell. In fresh coconuts the meat hasn't had the time to get hardened yet, and has a soft smooth texture and rich flavor that make them especially tasty. Fresh coconut is not suitable for cooking or shredding, and is only for eating fresh.

They make a great drink and snack combo when chilled. The coconut water is extremely rich in vitamins and antioxidants and has an electrolyte balance similar to sports drinks. This makes them a perfect refresher on hot summer days.

You open them by striking the top of the coconut with a large cleaver or machete. You have to hit hard enough to bite through the husk, and the hard shell underneath. You then strike around the top of the nut making a square shaped flap that you peel back to get to the flesh and water underneath. You eat them with a spoon and a straw. The straw lets you suck out the water, while you scrape the watery meat off the inside of the shell with a spoon.