What Do I Do With A Young Coconut?

Emily Kohlhas

July 26, 2021

In recent years, coconuts have seen a boom in popularity as a superfood. Whether we are talking about beauty products like coconut oil serums, lotions, and hair products, or health products like trendy coconut water, milk, meat, cooking oil, or even cream – coconuts have certainly found the limelight. But nothing beats cracking into a fresh coconut – especially a young white coconut with its high water content, creamy flesh, and nutrient-packed goodness.

Here are some answers to some of the most common questions we get about young coconuts so you can become an expert on this iconic tropical fruit:

What are young coconuts?

Young coconuts are green water coconuts that have been shaved down before packing and shipping for easier use (the green outer husk is very difficult to get into!). They are harvested from the tree when young, before they mature into a hairy brown coconut.

What do young coconuts taste like?

The coconut water within a young coconut is refreshing, sweet, and nutty with a slightly viscous texture. The jelly-like meat lining the inside of the husk is soft and creamy with a rich, coconut-y flavor.

What are the yields of young coconut?

Each young coconut contains about 3/4 cup of coconut water and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of jelly-like coconut meat. That said, yields can vary from coconut to coconut depending on growing and storage conditions.

Where do young coconuts come from?

It is believed that coconuts first originated from the coasts of India and Southeast Asia. Today, you can find coconuts growing in tropical regions around the world. Most young white coconuts in the US commercial market are supplied by Vietnam and Thailand.

When are young coconuts in season?

Young coconuts are available year-round, but tend to be more abundant during the fall and winter months.

What is the nutritional value of young coconut?

The young coconut’s flesh has few calories, it is high in dietary fiber, and has lots of potassium, as well as vitamin B. The coconut’s water is known to be an all-natural way to hydrate the body.

How should I store young coconuts?

Young coconuts should be stored in a dry, cool place in their original plastic wrapping to reduce moisture loss. It is recommended to refrigerate them. An unopened, refrigerated young coconut may last for up to 2 weeks. An opened young coconut should be used as soon as possible, but will likely last up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

How do I open a young coconut?

Lay the young coconut on its side atop a secure cutting board. Use a large chefs knife to remove as much of the white husk as possible until you can see the hard nutshell inside. Carefully drive the heel of the knife into the nut at an angle. When the heel is driven into the shell, use the knife to cantilever a circular hole open in the top of the nut. You should then be able to peel away the “lid” and access the water and flesh.

If you’re a visual learner, here’s a quick video on how to safely open a young coconut:

What can I do with a young coconut?

Well, the most straightforward thing to do is stick a reusable straw in it and enjoy refreshing coconut water straight from the source!

Alternatively, the water can be decanted and used to mix drinks, flavor curries, or enhance desserts. The dish or drink can even be returned to the empty husk for use as a fun serving vessel.

The coconut jelly inside can be used in desserts, but is not firm like the meat of a mature brown coconut and cannot be used to make coconut milk or desiccated coconut.