Fresh Coconut

Available year-round, coconuts are at their peak from October through December. When shopping for a coconut, choose one that is dark brown, with a shaggy, hairy coat. It should feel heavy in your hand, and when you shake it, it should make a lively, sloshing sound indicating it is fresh and full of juice.

The coconut has three “eyes” or dark spots at one end, and a slightly pointed tip at the other. Hold the coconut in one hand, over the sink, with the three eyes facing toward you. Use a hammer, or the back of a heavy cleaver (I have also used a heavy meat mallet) to strike the coconut firmly in the middle. Give the coconut repeated firm taps with the hammer around its equator until it breaks in two and releases the coconut juice.