How to milk a coconut

Forget what you think you know about coconut water. What’s sold in plastic bottles at health food stores pales in comparison to the nutty, slightly sweet stuff that comes from a fresh coconut. Stop worrying. If my 76-year-old grandmother can crack open these tough-skinned spheres, so can you.

Hold the coconut in your nondominant hand. Position it so that the “eyes” of the coconut are horizontal. Place a bowl underneath to catch the water. Using a hammer, whack the coconut in its center. In between whacks, rotate the coconut. Keep hitting it in along its equator on all sides to make the crack grow. Once the crack spans the entire circumference of the coconut, you’ll be able to force it open with your hands. Drain the water into the bowl, then transfer it to a glass. A single coconut doesn’t contain much liquid, so drink slow – with ice cubes if desired – and savor it.

Whole fresh coconuts can be found at well-stocked supermarkets and at Seema Enterprises, a grocery store that specializes in Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern foods. Call ahead and make sure coconuts are available and not already cracked, as some stores pre-cut them for convenience. The quantity of water will vary from coconut to coconut; when selecting one, shake a few of them and choose the one that sounds like it has the most water.

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Seema Enterprises, 10635 Page Ave., Maryland Heights, 314.423.9990, Facebook: Seema Enterprises