As anyone who has ever tried to crack a coconut knows, it can be a bit of a pain. The tough outer shell is notoriously difficult to break. So, when I saw a bag of pre-cut coconut pieces at the store the other day, I couldn’t help but wonder: would microwaving them make them easier to crack?
In this article, we will explore the possible ways to open a coconut. We will also look at what can be done with a coconut once it is opened. Finally, we will answer the question of whether or not microwaving a coconut makes it easier to crack.
Can You Microwave Coconut To Make It Easier To Crack?
Yes, you can microwave coconut to make it easier to crack. Just place the coconut in the microwave for 3 minutes. This will soften the shell and make it easier to break.
Have you ever been frustrated by the difficulty of opening a coconut? If you’ve ever tried to crack one open with a hammer, you know that it can be a tough nut to crack…literally.
Luckily, there’s a nifty little trick that many cooks are familiar with. By heating a whole coconut in a conventional oven for about 20 minutes, it becomes much easier to open.
But what if you don’t have an oven, or you don’t have 20 minutes to wait? Here’s what most people don’t know—microwaving the coconut for a few minutes can speed up the process even more.
Will Coconut Explode In The Microwave?
Yes, there is a possibility that the coconut will explode in the microwave. The coconut in the shell is filled with water. When microwaved, the water will start to boil and create steam.
If there’s no hole in the shell for the steam to escape, the steam will build up pressure inside and could cause the coconut to explode. That’s why it’s important to drain the coconut before microwaving it.
By draining the liquid first, you can also see if the coconut is still good to eat. If the water is brown or cloudy, it’s best to discard the coconut and get a new one.
The easiest way is to poke a hole in the soft “eyelid” at the top of the coconut, then turn it upside down and let the water drain out into a bowl. You can use a hammer and clean nail or ice pick to do this.
How To Microwave Coconut To Crack It Open
Here’s the step-by-step process for microwaving a coconut to make it easier to crack:
- After you’ve drained the coconut, place it in the microwave.
- Cook on high for 3 minutes (100% power).
- Remove the coconut from the microwave and allow it to cool for 1 minute before handling.
- Wrap a towel around the coconut to protect your hands.
- Use a hammer or other blunt object to tap around the circumference of the coconut until it cracks open.
- Once it’s cracked open, you can use a knife to pry the meat away from the shell.
- Enjoy your coconut!
What Are The Other Ways To Open A Coconut?
There are a few other ways to open a coconut, but they require a bit more elbow grease than microwaving.
Using a Hammer
One popular method is to use a hammer. It’s actually quite simple. First, find a hammer. Then find a spot on the top of the coconut and start pounding in a circular motion.
It may take a few attempts to get through the tough outer shell, but eventually, the shell will break open. Once the shell is breached, you can use a knife to separate the meat from the shell.
Using an Oven
Another method is to use an oven. Just preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the coconut on a pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the shell starts to crack.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Once it’s cooled, you can wrap the coconut in a reusable shopping bag and bang it against hard surfaces until it breaks open.
What Can You Do Once You’ve Opened The Coconut?
There are endless possibilities for what you can do with a freshly opened coconut.
One popular option is to make coconut milk. All you need is a blender and some water. Combine the coconut meat with water until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
You can also use coconut meat to make a variety of different dishes. One popular option is to make coconut rice. Simply cook the rice as you normally would, but substitute water with coconut milk.
You can also add it to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurts to boost flavor and nutrition. Coconut meat is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Read more: Microwave Tips for Heating Up Coconut Milk
Conclusion
Opening a coconut can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done. In this article, we have explored several ways to open a coconut, as well as what can be done with the coconut once it is open.
We have also answered the question of whether or not microwaving a coconut makes it easier to crack.
If you want a quick and easy way to open a coconut, microwaving it is the way to go. Just be sure to drain the coconut first before microwaving to avoid explosions, and be careful when handling the hot coconut afterward.
So there you have it— everything you need to know about opening a coconut. Now go forth and enjoy the deliciousness that is coconut!
If you’re looking for more information on microwaving coconuts, be sure to check out our other posts about the topic! We have posted about microwaving coconut bowls and microwaving coconut oil.
