Decandence for around a dollar

A few weeks ago I discovered young coconuts, an absolutely decadent treat that had been under my nose all along! Young coconuts are available in the DC area at Whole Foods, for just $2.50 each.

Here are some of my favorite uses so far. The best part is, just one coconut will yield all three!

Coconut Water: Coconut water is slightly sweet, deliriously fragrant and full of nutrients and electrolytes. With all due respect to Harvest Bay (and other makers of boxed coconut water), there is *nothing* like drinking the water straight out of the coconut (nature's box, if you will ;). I was also amazed at how much water each young coconut contained. I giggle with joy each time I thwack one open!

In addition to drinking straight, try blending with a touch of coconut meat, the juice from 1/4 lime, a touch of cayenne and a splash of sweetener (I use agave).

Exfoliating scrub: Blend together one part coconut meat with one part water. After its thoroughly blended, add in Epsom salt (which is known for is detoxing properties) til you have a grainy consistency. Voila!

Coconut meat pudding: Blend together one part coconut meat, one part water, one part chocolate (use organic syrup if you are feeling lazy ;) half part sweetener (I like agave), and a splash of vanilla. Blend until it has a pudding like consistency. Insanely good!

I would be remisc if I wrote a note about coconuts without mentioning how to open them. Believe me, its MUCH easier than you think! Essentially, thwack off the pointy part with a heavy knife or meat cleaver. Thats it! (But if you want a more thorough description, visit this play-by-play or watch this video)

For more information on young coconuts, check out these articles and blog posts:

• Young Coconuts by Priscilla at Foodielicious.com
• Health Benefits of Coconut Water
• Certified Organic young coconuts
• Several recipes, articles, etc at the Give it to me Raw community

Do you have any tips, tricks or recipes with young coconuts? And... any ideas on what to do with those shells (I have a growing collection!)? Leave 'em in the comments!