Petra came over one evening last week, and we opened seven coconuts. If you’ve ever attempted this, you’re impressed because it’s hard work and very messy!
That being acknowledged, I should also admit that I am the Queen of Convenience and I really wanted to make this process as easy and as convenient as possible. After my first trial with these beloved coconuts, I decided I needed some additional equipment. I had already bought a drill (specifically for the coconuts), and to my repertoire I added a dremel with a saw attachment. In support of this purchase, the dremel can be used for so many other things besides opening coconuts. Apparently, I can even buff scratches and little dings out of my car. I hope Joe does this for me, and I think he might because he is very meticulous about those kinds of things.
Anyway, the second Coconut Caper went like this:
We drilled two holes (top and bottom) in each coconut and drained out the water. It was surprising to see the differences in amount that came out of each one (yes, this is interesting and fun to me!).
Then, I sawed around the circumference of each coconut to cut them in half, and Petra began scooping out the meat. She wanted the meat, and I wanted the water—perfect! The thought did cross my mind, as I was sawing, that this was definitely not one of the safest activities I’ve participated in…my hand was really close to the saw blade, and instead of moving the saw, I was rolling the coconut (on my glass table). It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I may do it more safely next time!
All in all, this project was a success. I’m happy with my kefir. Petra made some fabulous ice cream (she borrowed my ice cream maker). We cleaned everything up more quickly than I thought we would too.
In case you’re wondering, each coconut yielded between 1 to 2 cups (16 oz) of water. At $2.99 a piece, this is definitely cheaper than buying packaged coconut water (assuming you’re using the meat too). What is not figured into this cost is the labor… I do see myself doing this again (for more reasons than to continue to justify the purchases of the drill and the dremel), but not every week!
Have you ever used a power tool in the kitchen!?
Wow! Where did you get all those coconuts! It's so hard to find some in my area. I never tried power tools in my kitchen, but since I own a dremel, I will certainly use it… if I can find a coconut to open!
Hi Veronica,
Our local grocery chain (Wegmans) has these coconuts on a regular basis. I live near a store that has a lot of “different” produce available…I don't think all of the Wegmans stores have them! It must be a case of demand and purchasing by consumers. I've been told to check Asian markets for young thai coconuts too, but have never found them there. Sometimes you can request them to be ordered at health food stores—they may be able to get them from a supplier they already use (and if they do it for you, you don't pay any shipping costs!).
The dremel was a million times easier for opening the coconut than a knife was! It just required a different type of safety control (but they're probably equally dangerous!).
~Lisa
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