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How to Open a Coconut
with a Chefs Knife
How to open a coconut with photos - Here
by John Kohler
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE: The author, and this web site will
not be responsible for injury caused by these instructions.
Do not let children open coconuts. Please use these instructions
at your own risk, and be careful. If something does not "feel"
right for you, please do not proceed.
Step 1 - Get the coconut Ready
Make sure the coconut is on a flat surface, and your work
surface is free of clutter, and anything the knife blade might
bump into while you are cutting.
Step 2 - Get the right tools
I use a $10 chef's knife that was purchased from Target.
(Don't use the family heirloom knife!). I have never broken
a knife opening coconuts, but it is rough on the knife. It
will dull fast, and the tip may break if the knife is too
thin, or you use an improper technique (not sticking the tip
in enough when opening). You will also need a spoon with a
thick handle (many spoons will bend when scooping out the
meat)
Step 3 - Cutting off the husk.
Now turn the coconut on its side, and cut off the husk of
the coconut, so that you reveal the hard coconut shell. Be
sure to cut all the husk off to reveal the hard coconut shell.
Step 4 - Find the Veins
Find the three "veins" that run down from the center
of the coconut. You will put the tip of the knife 1"
down from the center of the top of the coconut between the
veins (as shown in picture).
Step 5 - The Tap
Now tap the handle end of the knife so that it will put pressure
on the coconut shell. Some coconuts shells are thinner than
others, so this step may require some hard tapping. Once the
knife breaks thru the shell, ensure it enters the coconut
at least one inch. Be sure the knife is at the angle specified
by the picture.
Step 6 - Change the angle
Once the knife has entered the coconut about an inch, it should
stand on its own. At this point, you will lower the knifes
angle (while still keeping the tip inside the coconut) to
make the knife parallel with the countertop that you are cutting
on.
Step 7 - Rotate the knife.
Now you will "rotate" the knife to the left. You
will move your hand that is holding the knife, as if its a
motorcycle grip and you are giving it the gas. IMPORTANT:
Be sure the knife blade (ensuring the tip is still 1"
inside the coconut)
Step 8 - Rotate the other way.
Now you will "rotate" the knife to the right. You
will move your hand that is holding the knife, as if its a
motorcycle grip and you are giving it the gas. IMPORTANT:
Be sure the knife blade (ensuring the tip is still 1"
inside the coconut). Repeat Steps #7 and #8 until the top
comes loose, and "gently pry it up. This technique works
well on "hard shell" coconuts. Some coconuts may
have a soft shell, and will need more work.
That's it!
At this point, the coconut top can be removed. It should pop
off. You can now pour out the water, and take a spoon and
spoon out the meat.
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