Young Thai Coconut Smoothie

While picking up produce at my local food co-op yesterday I noticed something out of the ordinary on the extras table – a dozen or so young Thai coconuts. It was a first for the co-op and a treat I hadn’t had in a while; so naturally I grabbed one.

Young Thai coconuts our best known for their delicious electrolyte rich water, but also contain a little meat. You can make coconut milk blending the water and meat, which is perfect for smoothies. Here’s a few of the health benefits of young Thai coconuts.

• The water is extremely rich in electrolytes – perfect during or after an intense workout. The water is actually identical to human blood plasma and was used in World War II for emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers.
• Excellent blood purifier
• Has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties
• Coconut meat contains medium chain fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
• Good for heart health
• Coconut, in particular coconut oil, is good for weight management

If you’ve never had a young Thai coconut I urge you to give one a try. You won’t find them at your local grocery store. Health foods outfits such as Whole Foods and Asian markets are your best bet.

It does take a little skill to open one. Here’s a video with instructions on how to open a young Thai coconut.

Young Thai coconuts contain varying amounts of water and meat, which is part of the fun of opening them to see what you get. Tailor this smoothie recipe based on how much water and meat you get out of you coconut and how thick you like your smoothies. Enjoy!

Young Thai Coconut Smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients

• 1 cup young Thai coconut water
• Flesh from 1 young Thai coconut
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder or pure vanilla extract
• 4 – 6 ice cubes (optional)

The Add-ons

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or chia seed gel
• 1 serving of your preferred protein powder

Show Time

Put the ingredients into your blender and blend for anywhere from 30-45 seconds – or until the desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 424
• Fat: 32g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sugar: 23g
• Vitamin A: 3% RDA
• Vitamin C: 64% RDA
• Calcium: 8% RDA
• Iron: 15% RDA

Let me know what you think of this young Thai coconut smoothie, or your experience with young Thai coconuts in the comments below. Happy Blending!