How to Make Coconut Shells

Coconut shells are a popular bowl for many foods and sauces.

Coconuts drum up images of island getaways and tropical paradises. Bring the coconut's tropical smell and flavor into your home with coconut shells. Use coconut shells to creatively serve food, store small items or decorate your home. Cutting the perfect coconut shell takes little time with a properly ripe coconut and the appropriate tools.

Things You'll Need

• Handsaw

Instructions

1. Choose a ripe coconut. Make sure it is heavy and that you can hear the milk splashing around inside when you shake the coconut. The more milk inside, the fresher the coconut.

2. Find the eyes of the coconut. These three hairless spots are slightly indented and softer than the rest of the coconut.

3. Poke holes in 2 of the 3 eyes and pour all of the milk out. This milk is useful for many different recipes.

4. Freeze your coconut for one hour. It is easier to cut coconuts when they're cold.

5. Cut your coconut in half with a handsaw. This dirties the meat of the coconut but produces an evenly split shell.

6. Separate the meat from the shell slowly and carefully using a dull knife. A sharp knife may puncture your shell.

7. Allow your shell to dry 1 to 2 hours before using.

References

• Cooking Tips: Working With Coconut