How to Open a Coconut

We've all seen coconuts cracked open in a movie, but if you've ever tried to open one in real life you know it isn't that simple. There are a number of different methods to open a coconut and some of them are downright dangerous. Follow these simple steps and you'll be enjoying fresh coconut milk instead of making a trip to the emergency room.

Things You'll Need

• Two oven mitts
• One large nail
• Oven to heat the coconut
• Coconut
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Pound a clean, large nail into each eye of the coconut with a hammer and gouge them out to create holes for drainage.

3. Drain the coconut water into a glass or bowl if needed for your recipe.

4. Place the coconut in a pie pan or other shallow baking dish and place into the preheated oven for twenty minutes or until you hear the coconut crack or pop as it expands. It may not completely split open.

5. Remove the coconut from the oven with oven mitts on each hand.

6. Carry the coconut to your driveway, cement porch or other hard surface. Give the coconut a good whack against the surface and it should crack right open.

7. Use a knife to cut and dig out the coconut meat.

Tips & Warnings

• Coconut water is delicious, so drink it if you don't need it for your recipe.

• Wear safety glasses when cracking open the coconut.