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Coconut water

Drinks & liquids · Juices

Coconut water

Clear, lightly sweet juice from inside young green coconuts, drunk chilled and used in smoothies and some curries.

Also called: agua de coco, nariyal pani

5 recipes with it

Photo: Shameelnurani313, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

What it is

The thin, translucent liquid found inside young coconuts, before the flesh thickens. It is sold fresh in the nut or in cartons and bottles. Do not confuse it with coconut milk, which is pressed from grated mature coconut flesh and is rich and white.

How it’s used

  • Drinking chilled on its own
  • Smoothies and juices
  • Cooking rice or poaching
  • Some Kerala, Brazilian and South-East Asian dishes and desserts

Characteristics

Taste
Lightly sweet, nutty and slightly salty.
Appearance
Clear to slightly cloudy; may turn pink when exposed to air (harmless).
Sold as
liquid
Cooking uses
Usually eaten raw

Storage

Refrigerated. Refrigerate after opening and drink within a day or two; fresh coconut water ferments quickly.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
19 kcal
Protein
0.72 g
Carbohydrate
3.71 g
Fat
0.2 g
Fibre
1.1 g
Sugars
2.61 g

USDA FoodData Central: Nuts, coconut water (liquid from coconuts).

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Water — With a pinch of sugar and salt in cooking; lacks coconut flavour.

Related ingredients

Recipes with coconut water

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