Your Questions Answered: Where Can I Get Young Coconuts?

Jo wrote: Karen, where can I find young coconuts in my local area (Wiltshire) or on the internet? I have been searching for days with no luck - hope you can help!

Karen's reply: Good timing Jo, as it just so happens that a few weeks ago The Fresh Network began stocking a product new to the UK - young coconut water in a carton. What makes this product special (and unique) is the fact that despite being in a pack, it's unpasteurised and raw, and very lovely it is too! Pete wrote an excellent piece about it on The Fresh Network blog, which you can read here. We have all been drinking them by the case load!

As far as the real deal goes, unfortunately getting hold of young coconuts outside of major cities in the UK is rare. If you ever go into London then China Town is a safe bet, or if you are within driving distance of any oriental shop then they may stock them, or at least order them in for you on request. The only down side of buying the fresh coconuts is that they tend to go off quite quickly and sometimes they are already off when you bring them home - by which point it's too late - not a good feeling! The ones in the cartons have several months shelf-life, thanks to the way the product is cultivated, and, as they are tested before packaging they are also guaranteed to be good to go and not fermented.

Although we'd all prefer the real thing, the Dr Martins coconut water seems to be the best alternative currently available, and if you take a look at the way its been created, it's hard to see how anyone could come up with anything better.

We also have the coconut milk coming into stock in the next week or two, which is thicker and creamier (it contains the flesh of the young coco as well as the water) - my personal favourite!

If you'd like to order simply click here or call The Fresh Network on 0845 833 7017.

Hope this helps!

Comments

[jaishree singh]

I am just starting to go raw.I realy miss the following foods.Are there any substitutes?
1.Yoghurt-I am used to eating fruit and curd every morning and suddenly i miss yoghurt sooooo much.
2.sweet-What are the really sweet substitutes for sugar?
3.Any great salad dressings?
Thank you.

[Russell James]

For a video on how to open a young coconut, visit Matthew Kenney's site at www.theplantindumbo.com and click on 'event calendar'. At the top of the calendar is a link that says 'live from the plant'. Click on that and it will open a movie showing you how!

[labyrinthyne]

Do you think you could have a description on how to cut a thai coconut?! They are soft and extremely difficult to open. I had to throw away a gorgeous one because I could not get it open!

[zoe]

I have just bought two lovely young coconuts from my local international food store 'Mattas' in Liverpool. If you go into your local Asian food market you'll find them there. Just about every big town I've been in in the UK has at least Indian or Middle Eastern food shop, and if they don't stock young coconut, they'll probably be able to get it in for you if you ask.