Did you buy into the hype about bottled, canned and boxed coconut water? In the past five years the industry has exploded and found its way into the hands and heart of many a yogi and yogini. Bottles sit next to yoga mats in studios across the country.
The big ‘friendly”‘coconut water companies have supported many events and studios. Coconut water is a hot commodity, especially in Hot Yoga, where students perform their routines in rooms heated to more then 100 degrees.
But now the big coconut companies are being hit with class-action lawsuits. Their labels lied.
To start with, boxed, bottled and canned coconut water is 100% pasteurized. That means at least 275 degrees. Good-bye benefits. Just empty liquid.
What is true is coconut water, the clear liquid straight out of a young green coconut, is one of the best foods for humans on Planet Earth. Super, super nutritious, easy to digest, it’s a staple in tropical countries from Colombia to India. Sometimes you can buy it from street vendors here in the US in urban Latino and South Asian neighborhoods. Here in ABQ, NM, they sell it ready to sip at our local Ayurveda restaurant, Annapurna. Yum.
But it’s not so hard to drink raw baby coconut water at home. Whole Foods and Asian markets sell baby coconuts in the cold section of the store.
Here’s how easy it is to prepare. Nature designed the baby coconut so that we can get inside to access this super food liquid.
Raw Coconut Love Recipe
- 1 Baby Coconut
- 1 kitchen cleaver
- 1 glass or plastic straw
Set the baby coconut on its side, holding it with one had around the bottom (way away from the cleaver).
With the cleaver in the other hand, slowly hack around the pointy top till it gives way. This takes all of about one minute. When you have made entry, quickly turn the coconut upright before you lose the liquid. Pop your straw in the hole and sip with a big smile on your face.
It is so delicious!
When you finish, return to the cutting board and make a the hole larger so that you can eat the soft, lovely coconut meat inside. It taste like creamy-dreamy custard. Baby coconut is a healthy drink and snack all in one.