Question 1

How to crack open a coconut?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to open a coconut is by locating the three 'eyes' at the top. First, pierce these eyes using a screwdriver and drain out the coconut water. Then, hold the coconut in one hand and hit around the equator with the back of a heavy knife or hammer until it cracks open.

Question 2

How to make homemade coconut milk?

Accepted Answer

Blend the white flesh of a coconut with warm water and then strain. The oily liquid that remains is homemade coconut milk.

Question 3

Can the coconut water be used?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the water inside the coconut is fresh, nutritious and can be used for drinking directly, in cooking or in smoothies.

Question 4

What is the difference between coconut milk and coconut cream?

Accepted Answer

Both products are derived from grating and straining the meat from a coconut. However, coconut cream is thicker and contains less water than coconut milk.

Question 5

How to remove coconut meat?

Accepted Answer

After opening the coconut, use a spoon or a coconut tool and slide it between the meat and the shell. Apply some pressure and the meat should come out in pieces.

Question 6

Can I use coconut oil for frying?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Coconut oil has a high smoke point which makes it excellent for frying. Plus, it lends a subtle tropical flavor.

Question 7

How to make coconut oil at home?

Accepted Answer

You can make coconut oil at home by boiling the coconut milk until the oil rises to the surface and can be scooped off.

Question 8

What's the difference between virgin and extra-virgin coconut oil?

Accepted Answer

Despite the labels, there's no difference. Unlike olive oil, there are no industry standards that differentiate between 'virgin' and 'extra-virgin' coconut oil.

Question 9

Where can I use coconut flakes?

Accepted Answer

Coconut flakes can be used in a wide variety of dishes - from cakes, cupcakes and pies to chicken cutlets and fish fillets. They can also be toasted for an enhanced flavor.

Question 10

Can I substitute coconut milk for regular milk in recipes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, coconut milk can be used as a direct substitute for regular milk in cooking and baking. However, keep in mind that this will give your dishes a mild coconut flavor.

Question 11

When does coconut expire?

Accepted Answer

An unopened coconut can last approximately 1-2 months on the counter or up to 6 months in the refrigerator. Once opened, a fresh coconut can keep for 1 week in the refrigerator or can be frozen for 6-8 months. Shredded, unopened coconut (either fresh or dried) can be stored up to 6 months in the pantry, or a year in the fridge. Once opened, consume within 4-6 months when kept in the refrigerator. Coconut milk and coconut oil, unopened, usually remain good until the printed date on the package. Once opened, coconut milk should be kept in the fridge and used within 4-7 days, while coconut oil can last up to 2 years in the pantry due to its high saturated fat content.

Question 12

How do you tell if coconut is bad?

Accepted Answer

For whole coconuts, spoiling can be judged by a rancid smell or a lack of water inside. The flesh of a bad coconut will have lost its firmness and appear discolored or dry. Puncturing one of the 'eyes' and sniffing can give you a good indication of whether it has spoiled or not. Opened fresh coconut should be discarded if it shows signs of mold or has an off smell. Dried or shredded coconut will smell rancid and may turn a yellowish color when spoiled. Coconut milk can curdle and develop a sour scent when it has turned bad, while coconut oil will have a stronger, unpleasant odor and may appear murkier than usual.

Question 13

Tips for storing coconut to extend shelf life

Accepted Answer

• Always store whole coconuts in a cool, dry place

• Once a coconut is opened, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator

• To extend the life of shredded coconut, store it in an airtight container in the fridge or the freezer

• Keep coconut milk and oil in a cool, dry place away from light and heat. Always seal the container tightly after each use

• Freezing is a great option for longer shelf life. Just crack the coconut open, remove the meat from the shell, cut into pieces, and freeze in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag

Question 14

Analysis of coconut

Accepted Answer

Cooking with coconut can initially seem a bit daunting due to the hard outer shell, but once you've successfully opened one, the possibilities are endless. People often wonder how to open a coconut, which is best done by piercing the 'eyes' at the top and draining out the water before carefully cracking it open with a hammer. Given its versatility, usage largely depends on the recipe at hand.

One common mistake people make is discarding the coconut water which can actually be used for cooking or as a nutritious drink. When cooking with coconut, whether it's in a curry or a cake, don't take shortcuts - the quality of coconut cream or milk can significantly impact the flavor of your dish.

Understanding the difference between coconut products is also crucial. Coconut milk and cream are made by blending and straining fresh grated coconut meat, while coconut water is the clear liquid found within the fruit. Coconut oil is extracted from the meat, and is used for both cooking and beauty purposes.

Here are some practical tips for getting the most out of your coconut: 
- Grate the coconut meat using a standard box grater for fresh flakes.
- Blend the grated meat and strain to get fresh coconut milk.
- Use a spoon to scrape the meat out after cracking the shell open. 
- Coconut oil can be a healthier substitute for other cooking oils and butter.

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