Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A cool tool for opening coconuts

A few months ago, I saw one of these simple and efficient little gadgets used to open coconuts, and knew I needed one. I have four highly productive coconut palms, but we don't benefit from their fruit because it's such a hassle opening them up. (We once resorted to an electric drill, which, while successful, made a mess of the bit. And no way am I employing the traditional machete method).

These are made in Brazil and were being sold on eBay for $25. The business end is pushed into the coconut (where it attached to the stem), twisted and pulled out.

I asked for one for Christmas and it just arrived (better late than never), but I have yet to actually try it; I can't reach any of the ripe coconuts and none have fallen in the last couple of days. Stay tuned ...

6 comments:

debsgarden said...

Does this actually crack the coconut open or just poke a hole in it? I love fresh coconut, but it is hard to get into!

Terra Mirabilis said...

Deb: It pokes a hole in it so you can pour the water out. Trouble is, I am finding, that the husk is so thick, I can't get to the nut. Back to square one!

Susan said...

I'll be interested to see how it works.

MrBrownThumb said...

Penny,

That thing looks like something you craft in prison. :0)

btw, over on the GardenBloggers blog I replied to your question about how to participate in the grow project.

Love the redesign of the blog.

Terra Mirabilis said...

@MBT: Ha! I'm sure you're right. (I only know because of the first or second season of The Wire!) Also, where exactly did I post the question? I can't find it.

@ebay. Post away, as long as it's constructive. :)

MrBrownThumb said...

Penny,

It was about the GROW project and how to participate.

http://www.gardenbloggers.com/2010/01/grow.html

I relied in the comments. Hope you are still interested. I'm about to close applications within the next day or so.