How to tell coconut is bad

[Salsify]

I am so tired of throwing away coconuts (the brown ones). A few times I could see from the outside that there was some mildew and was able to take them back. I look at them really closely and shake them to see if there is plenty of fluid, but I still end up getting bad ones that have a very bitter taste and the skin looks greenish under the shell. I know I should take them back, but by the time I know they are bad, they are already busted into pieces. Is there a trick to see if it is still good before opening them?

[Sheryl]

I got so tired last year of taking back 75% - 90% of the mature coconuts I bought. You KNOW if they are bad you will return them, so save yourself the return trip!

1) Check the soft eye - you want one that's nice and firm
2) Shake to make sure there is lots of water (I'll usually shake all and start checking the heaviest first for the next two steps).
3) Take a key/pen and actually stick it in the soft eye - most that look firm are actually MUSH underneath. If the eye is soft the coconut is already starting to go bad.
4) Take a sip of the water - it should be slightly sweet and nice, no bitter or strong taste.

The above literally disqualifies 75% of coconuts that actually look good at the store near us, and the produce guys are kind enough to supply a bin to throw out bad produce.

If you're worried about checking them like this just grab the produce person and ask if she minds that you check the coconut, and let her know you'll buy it if it's good. You just need to be careful on the way home not to spill - actually I usually drink the water as a treat on the way home!

So in short what you're looking for is:
1) Nice and heavy with lots of water inside
2) Clean firm eye when you look at it
3) Firm eye when you poke it out
4) Nice tasting water

Testing only the first couple without tasting the water really doesn't work, as half the coconuts that pass steps 1-3 have totally rancid water. If the water is bad I personally won't eat the coconut.

Something else to watch for - just when they start to rot they get a strong coconut taste (really strong) that's not very appealing. I don't eat them when they are like that either! If you select them well you will love your coconuts!

Hope this helps!
Sheryl

[Sheryl]

You can always take them back... I've taken back ones before that were crushed open and exchanged them... just put them at the door for the next time you go! I didn't the first couple of times, then decided I was rewarding them for rancid produce and stopped. At least if you are taking them back they will know they have a problem. Maybe educate them too! I can hardly believe sometimes the stacks of moldy coconuts leaking water they try to sell at times... and people buy them and say they don't like coconut!!!

Cheers,
Sheryl