Coconut water is the clear liquid inside young coconuts (fruits of the coconut palm). As the fruit matures, the coconut water is gradually replaced by the coconut meat and air. A very young coconut has very little meat; the meat that it has is very tender, almost a gel. Coconut water has long been a popular drink in the tropics, especially in Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Caribbean, where it is available fresh, canned, or bottled.
Coconuts for drinking are carefully packaged and sold in many places. These are typically Asian coconuts whose outer green husk has been removed, and the remainder wrapped in plastic. Throughout the tropics they can be found sold by street vendors, often cut in front of customers to ensure the coconut water's freshness. Coconut water can also be found in ordinary cans, tetra paks, or plastic bottles (sometimes with coconut pulp or coconut jelly included). It is also being marketed as a natural sports drink because of its high potassium and mineral content.
Normally bottled coconut water has a shelf life of 24 months.
Unless the coconut has been damaged, it is likely sterile. There have been cases where coconut water has been used as an intravenous hydration fluid in some developing countries where medical saline was unavailable.[1]
Contents |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 79 kJ (19 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 3.71 g |
| - Sugars | 2.61 g |
| - Dietary fibre | 1.1 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 0.72 g |
| Water | 94.99 g |
| Vitamin A equiv. | 0 μg (0%) |
| - beta-carotene | 0 μg (0%) |
| - lutein and zeaxanthin | 0 μg |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.03 mg (3%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.057 mg (5%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 0.08 mg (1%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.043 mg (1%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.032 mg (2%) |
| Folate (vit. B9) | 3 μg (1%) |
| Vitamin C | 2.4 mg (3%) |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg (0%) |
| Vitamin K | 0 μg (0%) |
| Calcium | 24 mg (2%) |
| Iron | 0.29 mg (2%) |
| Magnesium | 25 mg (7%) |
| Phosphorus | 20 mg (3%) |
| Potassium | 250 mg (5%) |
| Zinc | 0.1 mg (1%) |
| Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
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Coconut water has a high potassium content and contains antioxidants linked to a variety of health benefits.[2] Cytokinins in coconut water may be among its most beneficial components.[3]
Fresh coconuts for drinking are typically harvested from the tree while they are green. A hole may be bored into the coconut to provide access to the liquid and meat. In young coconuts the liquid and air may be under some pressure and may spray slightly when the inner husk is first penetrated. Coconuts that have fallen to the ground are susceptible to rot and damage from insects or animals.
Coconut water can be fermented to produce coconut vinegar. It is also used to make nata de coco.
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