How To: Get Water Out of a Coconut Without a Drill

My first time opening a coconut was a confusing and frustrating experience. I remember the loud echoing noise as I hit it with a knife, a hammer, and my countertop. It took multiple tools, YouTube videos, and plenty of angry sighs for me to get it open.

But thanks to my perseverance, I ended up discovering the quickest and easiest way to crack open a coconut—and split it into two perfect pieces. More importantly, I found out how to extract all of that wonderful coconut water without having to use drill, which many people probably don't even have on hand.

What You Need

This trick uses two common household tools:

• a wine opener/corkscrew
• a hammer

Step 1: Puncture the 'Eyes'

There are three dark circles on the coconut that resemble finger holes on a bowling ball. These are the "eyes" of the coconut. Place the coconut face up so the eyes are facing you.

Insert the corkscrew into one of the eyes as though you are opening a bottle of wine. Twist the corkscrew all the way into the coconut. You will be able to feel and hear when it pierces all the way through the coconut meat.

Next, unscrew the corkscrew and repeat on one more eye. In most cases, only two of the eyes will be easy to puncture; so don't worry about the third.

Step 2: Drain the Coconut Water

Hold the coconut upside down over a glass or bowl to drain out the water. Strain the coconut water to remove the small pieces of coconut skin. Then, enjoy it as a refreshing and hydrating beverage while you finish cracking the coconut open!

Step 3: Hit the Seam with a Hammer

Every coconut has a seam that crosses through the eyes. Find the seam.

Then, hold the coconut in the palm of your hand and use a hammer to hit the coconut along the seam. You want to rotate the coconut as you do this. Be persistent—it will take a few hits before a crack appears.

Step 4: Watch the Coconut Split Right Open

Once the seam cracks, continue to hit the coconut with the hammer. Shortly after, the coconut will split into two pieces. Mission completed!

Using Fresh Coconut Meat

Fresh coconut meat far surpasses store-bought shredded coconut in both flavor and versatility. Coconut meat is sweet and nutty; you can eat it raw as a snack or as a mild dessert topping. Alternatively, you may choose to make homemade coconut milk or even coconut chips.

And if you can't eat or use your fresh coconut all at once, it is possible to shred and dry it yourself for later use. (I recommend using these homemade flakes in a wide variety of ways, from making coconut buns to onion rings!)

Now get out there and start crackin'!

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