To crack a coconut in half

Trim off any thick husk fibres. Hold the coconut in the palm of your hand over a large bowl (to catch the water when the coconut splits). Note the three seams that run along the coconut (they look like thick veins). First use the blunt edge of a heavy cleaver and tap firmly along each seam (without cracking them) while rotating the coconut in the palm of your hand. Then turn the coconut so the three eyes face your thumb. Using the sharp edge of the cleaver, whack hard around its equator until the coconut splits open. If necessary, use the tip of the blade to prise open the two halves.