Coconut Facts

coconut food facts photo of coconut cut in half

Coconut facts and general information about coconuts.

Coconuts are Available:

Fresh coconuts are available year round but their peak season starts in October.

How Does a Coconut Grow:

Coconuts grow on a tree. The actual coconut is wrapped inside a hard brown shell called a husk.

What to Look for When Buying Coconuts:

When shaken you should hear some of the coconut liquid inside. If you don’t it is dried up and you should pick a different one.

Coconut Storage Tips:

Store at room temperature unless cut open then store in refrigerator.

How to Cook with Coconut:

First of all to open you must pierce one of the three holes with a clean screwdriver and pour the liquid out. (You can store this in the fridge but must be used within 1 day). Then crack the surface of the coconut on something hard (have an adult do this!). It may take several times.

Bake the drained coconut at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and wrap in kitchen towel. Hit the coconut with a kitchen mallet to release the meat from the shell. Chop coconut pieces in a food processor or grate into shreds.

It takes some work getting the actual coconut meat out but it is a great lesson on coconuts. Not to mention it makes you appreciate the next time you buy that bag of shredded coconut at the store.

Coconut Nurtition Facts:

Coconut is high in fiber and Vitamin B.

Recipe: Coconut Macaroons

1 1/3 Cup flaked coconut
1/3 Cup sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
½ teaspoon vanilla
In bowl, combine coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Stir in egg whites and vanilla; mix well. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Find more coconut recipes on our Fruit Recipes page.