Before dealing with the flesh of a coconut, you need to crack open the hard shell with a hammer. The technique shown here is much the easiest way. After removing the thin brown skin that surrounds the flesh, shred or grate the flesh according to individual recipes.
Pierce a metal skewer through the indentations or “eyes” in the stalk end of the husk. Drain off the juice through the holes.
Crack the coconut by tapping it with a hammer all around its girth. Keep turning it around until it splits in half.
Prise the flesh out of the shell by working a small knife between them. Pare away the dark outer skin with a vegetable peeler.