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How to Break Open a Coconut

Got a fresh coconut on hand? You’re probably wondering how to break it open. Short of taking it outside and banging it against the sidewalk, we’ve got a much better (and simpler!) way to do it. Check out how to do it in just three easy steps.

Step 1

Every coconut has three “eyes”. Grab a sharp object, like a metal skewer or a screwdriver, and pierce the softest of the three while holding down the coconut on a table with a cloth for stability. You can now drain the water from the fruit.

Step 2

Place the coconut on a baking sheet in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes. This will soften the meat inside, making the whole coconut easier to crack.

Step 3

Once it’s out of the oven, your coconut is ready to be cracked open. Hold down the coconut on a table with a cloth, and then lightly strike the shell’s centre with a hammer, rotating the coconut as you go.

And there you have it: Your coconut is now open and ready to be used in your favourite recipes.

See the demonstration in this video: 

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