Young Coconut - Why?

[Marcus]

So I bought a young coconut this week after hearing so many sing its praises.

10 minutes ago, I gathered the family together and said "Let's try this new, healthy thing!" I cut some slices off and we all took a nibble. While there was a little bit of fresh coconut taste, the texture was nassssty.

Please tell me . . . What is the deal with these things and how should we use them?

Do I put them in smoothies? What? So far, we are not impressed.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Marcus

[EZ rider]

Here's a video about one way to open a young coconut:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hkJJZuf2Voc
After opening I like to put the juice and the pulp into the blender and blend it. It makes a delicious smoothie.

[Nurse in the Raw]

Young coconuts are very nutritious. They balance your electrolytes, provide good fat and cleanse the blood. I take both the water and meat and blend them into a fruit smoothie. I eat about 7-9 a week.

[Glow Worm]

I totally didn't like the first young coconut water I drank and the flesh reminded me of runny egg yolks. But by the third time I loved the whole thing. The water is high in electrolytes, which will hydrate you. I know a drummer that would drink a young coconut after a show and it would hydrate him faster than anything else. I use the flesh in smoothies and now that it reminds me of coconut and not egg yolks, I'll eat it straight out of the shell.

[RawWealth]

I drink the water, mix it with a banana or pineapple in my Vitamix. I make a pudding with the flesh of the coconut. I mix it with cinnamon, vanilla extract and some agave and blend in the Vitamix. I eat it like that or I freeze it and as it thaws it is like ice cream. YUMMY! :p

[DewDrop]

I did't care for the yc the first time, either, My kids did though. The yc's will change in meat thickness as you open more and more. soon you will find one that has meat 1/8-1/4" thick. Those I use for noodles or snacks. The thinner meat, I use in puddings, smoothies and sauces. the milk will begin to taste good after time. Happy cracking.

[Amuzon1]

How can you tell by looking at an unopened one how thick the meat may be? Any suggestions?

[tasha92337]

I cant wait to get started on young coconut kefir!!

I heard so many GOOD things about it!

[MommyB]

So I bought a young coconut this week after hearing so many sing its praises.

10 minutes ago, I gathered the family together and said "Let's try this new, healthy thing!" I cut some slices off and we all took a nibble. While there was a little bit of fresh coconut taste, the texture was nassssty.

Please tell me . . . What is the deal with these things and how should we use them?

Do I put them in smoothies? What? So far, we are not impressed.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Marcus

Hahahaha!! :p That is exactly what I thought with my first one! I ate some of the meat, but I gave most of it to my 10 month old and he loved it. I have two more sitting on my counter that I will open up this weekend and try in smoothies and stuff.

[tanishamarshall]

What is the difference between a young coconut and the ones available in Jewel? I can't get Young Coconuts in Bloomington, Illinois.

[trinity082482]

Here's a video about one way to open a young coconut:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hkJJZuf2Voc
After opening I like to put the juice and the pulp into the blender and blend it. It makes a delicious smoothie.

Thanks for that clip!!

[Nurse in the Raw]

How can you tell by looking at an unopened one how thick the meat may be? Any suggestions?

No way to tell. I have opened lots and lots and it's a surprise every time.

[Marcus]

Ohhhh great video EZ . . . Thank you!

Now where's my whacking knife ? ? ?

[firefaery]

I love them, but have been a bit freaked after hearing that they are dipped in formaldehyde. Since reading that and verifying that it does happen I haven't bought any. Is there a way to get them organic? I would be so happy to add them back!

[Morn]

I think they grow on you after time. I use them in smoothies (with pineapple, and bananas and some times I add cocoa with agave nectar). I also use them to make ranch dressing with and a few recipes in Rawvolutions book (like the summer corn salad!). Now I love them and actually crave them!