How to open a coconut three different ways and the tools you need to do it

Posted by Martina Birk on Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Updated

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

  • Coconuts are delicious and rich in nutrients, but opening them can be hard unless you've got the right tools. 
  • With these three techniques and a few tools you have around the house, you can open a coconut quickly and safely.
  • See more: How to roast a chicken

Coconuts are delicious, nutritious, and always a welcome treat — that is, if you can crack one open to get at the edible meat and water inside.

Coconuts are hard to open, we'll admit, but they're not impossible if you have a few household tools around, like a screwdriver, mallet, and knife. Or if you're someone who works with their hands, you could always throw a coconut around on your kitchen counter.

With a few common items, you'll be more than ready to crack that coconut open. 

Here are the tools you need to open a coconut:

You'll also ideally have access to an oven and a baking sheet, and for an alternative technique, a dish towel and a plastic bag. We'll get to that soon. 

How to open a coconut:

How to open a coconut with a mallet and screwdriver

MaxPixel

First, take your coconut and look at the end with the three little spots, also known as the eyes. Press onto each one and identify the one that feels the softest.

  • Use a tenderizing mallet to tap a screwdriver through the softest eye in the coconut.
  • Place the coconut over a cup to drain completely.
  • Place the coconut in an oven heated to 375º Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until a crack appears.
  • Wedge the screwdriver along the crack to remove the exterior husk.
  • If no crack appeared, carefully tap into the husk with the screwdriver and mallet. 
  • If you need some help, try a paring knife or a butter knife to separate the husk. 
  • Once the exterior of the husk is removed, you'll get a smooth, soft interior that you can peel with any vegetable peeler to get to the coconut flesh.
    • Wilmar No.2 Tip Phillips Screw Driver Shop at Walmart External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Saken Paring Knife (3.5-inch) Shop at Walmart External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." KitchenAid Dual Sided Meat Tenderizer Shop at Walmart External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." OXO Good Grips Y Peeler Shop at Bed Bath & Beyond External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    How to open a coconut using a knife

    Pixabay

    This technique only requires a chef's knife but it does take a bit more caution and practice. 

  • Carefully pierce the softest eye of the coconut with the knife and drain the water.
  • Holding the coconut in your non-dominant, crack the blunt backside of the knife against the "equator" or middle of the coconut repeatedly, rotating it slightly after each whack.
  • With a few solid hits, a crack will form and soon the whole husk will split.
    • J.A. Henckels International Classic 8" Chef's Knife Shop at Walmart External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

    How to open a coconut without tools

    Maxpixel

    This one isn't pretty but if you don't have any tools at home, it's your best option. For the record, yes, these coconut cracking techniques are listed in descending order of efficacy and wisdom.

  • Wrap the coconut in a thin dish towel, then place it in a plastic bag.
  • Smash the coconut against your kitchen counter a few times until the thing is cracked wide open.
    • Steven John Freelance Writer Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com. Read more Read less

    Subscribe to our newsletter.

    You can purchase syndication rights to this story here.

    Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

    ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnm57BpLTEp2ahp6diwbB5zqmcp2WRYrCwr86nrK0%3D

    CATALOG
      FEATURED TAGS