Coconut Facts

Learn fun coconut facts, how coconuts grow, how to open and prepare them, and easy coconut recipes kids can help make. This page includes coconut macaroons and coconut cream pie, plus more coconut ideas to explore.

Fun Coconut Facts

Fresh coconuts are available year round.
Their peak season starts in October.
Coconuts grow on trees.
The coconut is wrapped inside a hard brown shell called a husk.
Coconut can be shredded, toasted, baked into desserts, or used in savory recipes.

How Coconuts Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Coconuts Are Available

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

How a Coconut Grows

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

What to Look for When Buying

When you shake a coconut, you should hear some coconut liquid inside. If you do not hear liquid, it may be dried up and you should choose a different one.

Storage Tips

Store coconut at room temperature unless it has been cut open. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator.

Kid Tip: A whole coconut is a great food to explore because it shows how much work goes into getting food ready from nature.

How to Open a Coconut

Pierce one of the three holes with a clean screwdriver and pour the liquid out.
Have an adult crack the surface of the coconut on something hard. It may take several tries.
Bake the drained coconut at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Allow it to cool and wrap it in a kitchen towel.
Hit the coconut with a kitchen mallet to release the meat from the shell.
Chop the coconut pieces in a food processor or grate them into shreds.

Cooking Tip: Opening a coconut takes a little work, but it helps kids understand where shredded coconut comes from.

How to Toast Coconut

To toast coconut, spread it in an ungreased shallow pan. Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Use it for topping pies, puddings, or ice cream.

Mini Activity

Compare Whole and Shredded Coconut

Look at a whole coconut and notice the hard shell.
Look at shredded coconut and compare the texture.
Talk about how the coconut changes from whole fruit to baking ingredient.

This is a simple way to help kids connect food prep with where ingredients come from.

Coconut Nutrition Facts

Coconut is high in fiber and vitamin B.

Coconut is high in fiber.
It contains vitamin B.
Coconut can add texture and flavor to both sweet and savory recipes.

More Food Fact Resources

Recipes

Coconut Macaroons

These coconut macaroons are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are simple to make and a great beginner baking recipe for kids.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cup flaked coconut
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut, sugar, flour, and salt.
Add the egg whites and vanilla and mix until everything is evenly combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool before removing from the pan.

Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can measure ingredients, mix everything together, and scoop the dough onto the baking sheet.

Recipe Notes:

Watch closely while baking because macaroons can brown quickly.
Let them cool before eating so they hold together better.
You can add chocolate chips for a fun variation.

Coconut Cream Pie

This coconut cream pie is smooth, creamy, and filled with coconut flavor. It is a great recipe for older kids to help with and perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
3 cups milk
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 cups shredded coconut
1 baked 9-inch pie crust, cooled
Whipped topping, optional
Toasted coconut, optional

Instructions

In a saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt.
Stir in the eggs until smooth.
Gradually add the milk while stirring.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.
Continue cooking and stirring for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
Add shredded coconut and mix well.
Pour the filling into the baked pie crust.
Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, top with whipped topping and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can help measure ingredients, stir the filling, and sprinkle coconut on top.

Recipe Notes: