Coconut Water
The clear, mildly sweet natural liquid inside a young, green coconut. A refreshing drink; not to be confused with coconut milk, which is a separate product.
What Is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is the clear, mildly sweet natural liquid found inside a young, unripe green coconut. This water, which flows out when the coconut's hard shell is cracked or pierced, is a refreshing drink that can be consumed directly.
It's colorless-slightly cloudy, thin-bodied and low in calories. Although often confused with coconut milk, they are entirely different: milk is a thick-fatty product made by pressing the flesh of the ripe coconut with water, while the water is the natural liquid inside the coconut.
Nutritional Values of Coconut Water
Plain coconut water, with about 19 kcal of energy per 100 milliliters, is a low-calorie, very low-fat drink rich in potassium; it's mainly composed of water. Values vary depending on the coconut's ripeness; they're approximate.
How Should Coconut Water Be Consumed?
Coconut water, as a refreshing, low-calorie drink, can be part of daily fluid intake; plain varieties with low added sugar may be preferred. It's considered part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; coconut water is a drink, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Coconut Water?
Good coconut water is either from a fresh coconut or a packaged product with plain content and low added sugar. Overly sweet, flavored or cloudy-sour smelling products are not preferred.
- Composition should be plain, added sugar low
- Fresh coconut water should be clear-mildly sweet
- Sour-smelling, spoiled product should not be bought
How to Store Coconut Water?
Water extracted from a fresh coconut should be drunk right away; an opened package or fresh water should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed quickly, since it spoils fast at room temperature. Unopened packages are stored per the label's conditions.
Using Coconut Water in the Kitchen
Coconut water is used most as a plain drink, in smoothies and refreshing mixes; it's also used in some rice dishes and desserts to add a light sweetness-aroma. It doesn't replace milk, since it doesn't provide fat and creaminess.
What Is the Difference Between Coconut Water and Coconut Milk?
Water is the clear, low-fat natural liquid inside a young coconut; milk is a thick, fatty product made by pressing and straining the flesh of a ripe coconut with water. Their uses differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is coconut water rich in potassium?
The natural liquid inside the coconut contains minerals, chiefly potassium; that's why coconut water is a drink rich in potassium.
Is coconut water sweet?
Water from a young coconut is mildly sweet and refreshing; since sugar can be added to some packaged products, the label should be checked.
Is coconut water used instead of milk?
No; since it doesn't provide fat and creaminess, it doesn't replace milk. Coconut milk should be used in recipes that call for milk.