suburban coconut harvesting tips

we only have one tree, but sometimes one is enough. we have a LOT of coconuts hanging overhead, so today damian came over to help get a few down.



just how do you get coconuts down? outside of calling for help from monkey, you thank your folks for living in a two-story house, go on the top floor or roof, tie a hand-honed scythe onto a discarded broom handle then aim and reap away. (and tell everyone below to stand clear or duck, please)



you need a machete or a big cleaver to cut open a coconut. the first thing you do is cut the bottom end through the husk until you just get to the meat; poke a hole through and drain the coconut. then cut the coconut in half to get to the meat.



the very first coconut damian split open was a macapuno, charmingly and roughly translated as "mutant coconut". although they are now cultivating a tree that yields mostly macapuno, and there are people who can just tell when they see one, generally speaking, you never know where the mutant is, until you cut it open. there is little or no liquid in the cavity, and the meat is thicker, more gelatinous, and very rich yet bland tasting. a highly prized nut.



here's a little tip for any future "survivor" contestants: the easiest way to scrape out young coconut meat is to use a piece the husk. a spoon works too :-) save the meat in its water, to preserve the flavour and texture. refrigerate or freeze this as soon as possible as it is highly perishable.

you always want to use green, fat, smooth coconuts for harvesting the meat or water. so what do you do with the old, shrivelly ones?



first, you find a lovely boonie dog/askal/poi dog/mutt, like paquita here. then give her a coconut.



look--instant toy! not only is it good for her teeth, the shredded bits are perfect for adding to your orchids or planting beds for better drainage.



after you are done with all that work, don't forget to enjoy a glass of coconut water so fresh the coconut milk rises right to the top....