Coconuts! Coconut juice, coconut milk, coconut meat even the coconut shell is used productively in various cuisines alla round the world. But, the problem always lies in getting to the treasure without creating a mess. In other words …“How To Open A Coconut Without Spilling?? “. For many out there, who are not used to using this fruit in their dishes this question is quiet baffling! But, trust me, you can open the coconut without spilling and the fruit is worth it!

Opening a coconut is in itself a very difficult task, especially if you don’t have the tools for it. So before you attempt to pry open the hard shells of this fruit that protects it from the harsh tropical climate, be sure to have your tools ready!

Things Required

Hammer
Nail
Towel
Large cup

Take your coconut in hand and locate the three dark spots, also known as the eyes of the coconut. They are found at the base.

One of the three eyes will be not as hard as the other two. It is this eye that you have to attack. Pound or drill a hole into the weakest eye using the nail and the hammer or even a drill.

Usually one hole is enough but in case you feel that you can’t seem to pour out the coconut juice properly then pound another hole in one or both the other eyes.

Now balance the coconut upside down at the mouth of a large cup such that the coconut juice pours out smoothly into the cup without spilling.

Once the coconut juice has been drained out completely, your coconut can be easily broken open.

Wrap the empty coconut in a towel, place it on the kitchen counter or the floor (choose a hard sturdy surface) and hammer it at the center persistently. Rotate the coconut while hammering. The hard coconut shell will crack at the center.

Now pry open the coconut using your hands or insert a lever like a screwdriver into the crack and pull the shell open. (get your husband to do the hard work … let them put those unworked muscles to some use!)

Tips & Warnings

Take care that you don’t hurt yourself when you are hammering the coconut or the nail into the eye.

Keep the towel wrap on the coconut while trying to crack it. If you do it without the towels, it is a possibility that shards of the coconut shell may hit you and hurt you. Also, it keeps the entire process neat and less messy! 

Image Credit
flickr.com/photos/22327649@N03/