Many years ago, when I was a kid, my dad bought fresh coconuts once in a while. All I can remember is that they were mature coconuts (the hairy ones), it was a pain in the ass to crack them open, and completely worthless to me because I didn’t like coconuts.

A while ago we found young Thai coconuts in Woolies. Opening them was a bit difficult because we had no idea how to do it properly, but it was worth the effort. The meat was delicious, sweet and moist, and the water super fresh, way better tasting than packaged coconut water.

Coconut meat is high in healthy saturated fats and fiber, plus it has a low glycemic index (doesn’t raise blood sugar too much). Coconut water has lots of electrolytes but it also has some sugar, so it’s great as a rehydrating post-workout drink. It’s also delicious as an alternative to sugary drinks for making cocktails.

Kulaway Nut coconut

Now that we’re hours away from the new year, why not make a toast with a fresh coconuty drink?

Happy new year everyone! May you meet all your goals in 2012!