What's the deal with coconuts?

[herbalgirl]

Still trying to figure this all out...

So, what's the deal with coconuts? I assume the coconut flakes we see in the stores aren't raw or good for you, right? What is all the talk about Thai baby/young coconuts? What makes them different from regular coconuts?

Also, what about coconut milk that comes in a can? I am figuring it is not raw since it is canned, but is it horrible for you? Is it better than nothin'??

Thanks!

[Veganforlife]

The coconut flakes you can get in a store are more then likely heat-treated and/or processed unless they specifically state raw on the packing. They are also loaded with sugar.
Young Thai coconuts are white and have not turned brown and hairy (the ones MOST of us are used to seeing).
Coconut milk is definitely processed. I wouldn't trust anything in a can. Yes, it's not good for you if you are striving for a 100% raw diet. So, no, nothing IS better.
Drink green smoothies!

[herbalgirl]

Thanks, Lucy! :) Ah, well... At least that can of coconut milk is gone and I can forget about buying more of it! :o

Is the milk of the Thai coconut better for you than the hairy brown ones? Just wondering. I had never heard of them before. They seem expensive and hard to find. Do most of you not use them regularly?

I did have a smoothie today, but it was more of a yellow one! I used a summer squash instead of zucchini. Can you tell we have a truckload of those things around here?? :eek:

[dread head vegan]

hello herbalgirl,
your right about the canned coconut mike and the flakes. i've made some coconut flakes with my dehydrater a wile back they turned out good. i 've seen some freeze dried coconut flakes in the store... i don't know if they where raw or not. the difference between young cocnuts and regular coconuts are that young/thai cocnuts are that the young coconuts are younger, they have more water in them and the flesh is a lot softer, once you cut them open you can basacally take a spoon and scrape it out, they are a lot sweeter too. i personally like the young coconuts better.
here's a website that might help :D


http://www.living-foods.com/articles/youngcoconuts.html

[ladypeace82]

i've had two coconuts for a week.... I know I can open them with a big ol' knife and arm work but.... I'm too scared to. I don't have a big ol' kitchen knife anyway. I saw video of a guy wacking one open. He held it one hand and wacked it with the knife in the other. Scary.
The coconuts are crying to be opened!
:)

[RawkStar]

When I first tried a young coconut, I said it was an acquired taste and could see me developing a taste for them. Well, I was right. I love them! I put one (meat + coconut water) in the blender and fill th rest with fruits/greens of my choice. For dessert last night I made the most amazing smoothie--perfect for the 100+ degree weather I'm in since coconuts are like natural gatorade.

Coconut meat + water
Handful of pineapple
5 finger bananas
extra filtered water to loosen it up (I don't like thick smoothies)

So fresh, not too sweet, and just plain tasty!

[herbalgirl]

Thanks for that link, it was very informative! :)

[dread head vegan]

your welcome :D ;)

[RawkStar]

I think the way Alissa opens her coconuts is easier, though. I get better at it every time as I get used to wielding the knife in my hand.

Oh, devote one knife to opening coconuts, because you will ruin the blade. I did, but I thought I might so I picked one of my cheap knifes to open coconuts. I'm now going to buy a cleaver specifically to open coconuts.

[Riiiya]

i buy both kinds of coconuts at Meijers (young are $2, brown are $1.30) and for the brown one i follow the "instructions" on it- first poke the "eye" and drain it, and then i actually use my 5 lbs weights lol i just smash it, works well enough :D i'm scared of big knives :(

[RawkStar]

Drumroll, please: My Ralph's Fresh Fare sells young coconuts for .99! :eek: I discovered this on accident last week. I was getting them at Vons for $2.99. I hear you can get them even cheaper at Asian specialty markets.