How to Open a Coconut

A coconut may look hard and complicated to open, but with a few simple steps you can easily open it at home. Besides being delicious, coconut is a great addition to smoothies, cakes, fruit salads, and many exotic dishes.

Many people give up as soon as they see the hard shell, but there is actually a very simple way to do it.

1. Find the “eyes” on the coconut

On the top of the coconut there are three darker spots that look like eyes. Two of them are usually softer and can be pierced easily.

You can use:

• a screwdriver
• a nail
• a thicker knife
• a metal skewer

Be careful not to hurt yourself when using sharp objects.

2. Pour out the coconut water

After making two holes, turn the coconut upside down over a glass and pour out the water.

Coconut water can be drunk immediately or used in smoothies.

3. Tap around the middle

Hold the coconut in your hand or place it on a kitchen towel and gently tap around the middle using a hammer or the blunt side of a knife.

Slowly rotate the coconut while tapping.

After a few taps, a crack should appear.

4. Separate the halves

Once the coconut cracks open, simply pull the two halves apart with your hands.

If you want to remove the coconut meat:

• use a spoon
• or briefly heat the coconut in the oven to loosen the flesh more easily

Tip

If the coconut sounds completely “empty” when you shake it or has an unpleasant smell after opening, it is probably no longer fresh.

Fresh coconut has a slightly sweet smell and firm white flesh.