In recent years, coconuts have really become a popular topic among healthy living circles because it is known as a superfood. The coconut contains a good amount of nutrition, like “good cholesterol” as well as being an excellent source of vitamin A. Recently, some studies have said coconut may be bad for you because of it’s high sugar content and saturated fats, but like anything that can be good, eating in moderation is a good idea.
One thing that stops people from enjoying fresh coconut is they don’t know how to open one or what to do with one once it’s open. We are so used to processed foods that this is understandable. If you are wanting to try some fresh coconut, here are 10 Mouthwatering Coconut Recipes. You will also learn helpful tips on how to open a fresh coconut as well as how to shred and toast the fresh coconut meat.
How to Open a Fresh Coconut
To crack open a fresh coconut, you really only need a hammer and the fruit. Take the back end of the hammer and gently make a circle around the top with gentle hits. A lot of people mistake needing to make heavy handed hits and they end up with a crush coconut and the milk spilled all over. Just go around in a circle and eventually the top will come off!
How to Shred and Toast Fresh Coconut
After cracking open the coconut, pour out the milk and remove the brown shell. You can use a knife to shred or a vegetable peeler can also work. Since coconut is super moist when it is fresh, allow the shredded pieces to air dry before toasting. When dry, place in a single layer on a cookie sheet with parchment paper under them. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees F.
10 Mouthwatering Coconut Recipes
Have you ever had macaroons made with fresh coconut? Here is a great recipe from The Healthy Foodie for Fresh Coconut Macaroons.
Make coconuts even sweeter when you make these Toasted Candied Coconut Ribbons from Girl Cooks World.
Be a hero at dinner with this delicious Coconut Crusted Chicken with Mango Salsa from Lovely Little Kitchen.
Make so many things taste wonderful when you learn how to make your own Coconut Extract from fresh coconut with the instructions at The View From Great Island.
There’s nothing better than coconut cream anything, but this Coconut Cream Pie with fresh coconut from Big Oven doesn’t get any fresher!
These Fresh Coconut Ice Pops from The Nest sure look amazing! Although it’s not the season we are in, Summer and Spring are right around the corner!
This Easy South Indian Coconut Rice from Chef in You uses fresh coconut and it sounds like it would be a perfect addition to many main courses or by itself!
Have you ever thought that yogurt can be made from coconut milk? Check out this easy way to make Coconut Yogurt with fresh young coconut from The Organic Dietitian.
One of my favorite ways to use coconut is in coconut shrimp. This recipe for Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce from Jo Cooks would be a hit at my house!
This Cilantro Coconut Chutney from Frugal Living NW sounds like an amazing thing to top chicken, dip shrimp into or even try with some rice!
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