Cracking the Coconut

Step 1

Hold the coconut in one hand over a sink, basin, or bowl to catch the liquid that seeps out. This liquid isn’t as fresh or tasty as coconut water from young green coconuts, so don’t feel guilty about not saving it—just let it go down the drain. Tap firmly in the center of the coconut with a hammer, rotating and tapping along the “equator.” You might have to rotate the coconut several times before a fissure appears.