Coconuts coconut and more coconuts

[maxmillan]

I'm hooked on coconut water. Not the kind in cans or tetras but the fresh kinds from young coconuts. My raw food store sells frozen coconut water in plastic bottles with no preservatives but it is rather pricey. I've started buying the young coconuts from WholeFoods. It's already chopped at the top and ready for a straw to be inserted for drinking. The flesh is yummy as well.

I have many questions about young coconuts. I've read that they are dipped in formaldehyde to keep the outside from getting moldy during their long transport. Is that true? Is that why they are so white on the outside?

I'm now getting a collection of coconut shells. Is there any use for them?

I live in Vancouver and find that $4 a pop for the WF young fresh coconut is also quite pricey. Is there any other place where I can get it cheaper? I have no problem chopping the top myself.

If I buy it in bulk, how long will it keep in my fridge?

Thanks for your answers.

[maxmillan]

I find that coconut water from anythng but the actual coconut will have a chemical preservative which I don't want. But after a bit of sleuthing I see that the Granville Island ethnic market (South China Seas?) has young coconuts for $2. I just bought one from Donald's Market for $3, Choices for $3 and I know that TNT has them for a lower price than WF. However, WF has bigger coconuts!

I guess I'll have to travel to the tropics to try one to compare.

As for the coconut shells, I think I will make some decorative "candle chandeliers" that I saw in a shop, very pretty. Any extra shells I will line my garden with it for a cheesy border.

[Burma VonFurston]

Hi maxillan,
I buy young coconut at T&T and the regular supermarkets when they have them, and they have usually ranged in price from $1.28 to $2.

The only time I've ever paid more than that is when I ordered a young coconut at a restaurant (Banana Leaf at $5)

Is there anything special about the young coconuts at Whole Foods?

Also I have bought coconut water in the frozen food aisle of T&T (and even Superstore?) for 99 cents. It's the kind that comes in a plastic container and gives you a fork for the flesh.

[Sam Salmon]

All I can say is that I've had many a Coconut right off the tree in the tropics and what they sell @ Whole Foods is so different I'd never touch one.