You can also use a sharp, sturdy knife or a metal skewer to bore the hole.
An average coconut expels approximately ½ to ¾ cup (118 to 177 ml) of water. The water from a fresh, young coconut should be sweet. If the liquid has an oily consistency, the coconut likely isn’t good and should be thrown away.
You can also simply dispose of your coconut water by pouring it down the drain.
Use a worn kitchen towel, or one you don’t mind roughing up a bit, since you may damage the towel in this process.
Wrap the coconut in a towel before striking it. This may be more comfortable for some, and will prevent pieces from flying when you strike the coconut. If your coconut splits into 2-3 larger pieces, place the pieces meat-side down on a towel, and strike them again to split them into smaller pieces that are easier to handle.
You don’t necessarily have to use a sharp knife to separate the coconut meat and shell. It’s best to start with a butter knife and only move onto a sharp knife if you’re having trouble. Steady the pieces of coconut as you’re separating the coconut shell and meat by bracing it against your table or counter.
You’ll still need to use force to open the coconut after heating it, either by hammering it or whacking it against a hard surface, but heating the coconut first makes this process easier.
Alternatively, swing the coconut in the towel against a hard surface until it breaks. Use a surface like concrete, and avoid whacking it against your countertop. This could break your counter!
You can also use a vegetable peeler to remove the fibrous layer that clings to the coconut meat.
A young coconut has a softer, thick, white-colored casing surrounding the familiar brown shell inside.
The shell on a younger coconut is softer and easier to penetrate than that of a mature coconut, so a knife will do here. Alternatively, instead of draining the coconut, use the inner point of the knife (close to the handle), to perforate an opening closer to the top of the coconut. Continue this until you can pry the section away like a lid. Stick a straw in the opening, and use the coconut as a natural cup for the coconut water inside![16] X Research source
Once you’ve opened the coconut, peel away the inside meat as in the steps above.
