Summer calls for sipping on delicious, sweet coconut water, but how do you ensure you always pick a sweet one? Well, there’s actually a simple trick that can help! Digital creator Pranav Joshi and chef Keertida recently came together to uncover the science behind it.
How To Pick Tender Coconut With Sweet Water?
If you want a tender coconut with naturally sweet water, chef Keertida (@keertidacooks) suggests asking for a “patli malai” coconut. She shared that her father would always ask for patli malai wala nariyal paani, and it almost always turned out to be sweet.
Now, if you’re wondering whether it’s just a coincidence or if there’s actual logic behind it, digital creator Pranav Joshi (@floydiancookery) says there definitely is. He explains that a young coconut is essentially like a bag of sugar water. At around seven months, the water inside contains high amounts of glucose and fructose, making it extremely sweet.
He further adds that as the coconut matures, it develops more flesh, or malai, and gradually loses sweetness as the sugars are used to form this flesh. Simply put, the thicker the malai, the less sweet the water tends to be. On the other hand, patli malai means the flesh is still thin, so the water retains more of its natural sweetness.
Also Read: CT Exclusive: 10 Summer Food & Travel Memories That Remind You Of Your Childhood
How Does One Differentiate The Coconuts?
So, how can you tell if a coconut has patli malai? In the post, chef Keertida spoke to a coconut vendor who demonstrated how coconuts produce different sounds when tapped, and this can help you identify whether they have patli or moti malai inside.
Yes, The answer lies in the simple physics of sound. A patli malai coconut is almost completely filled with water and has very little air gap. When tapped, the water dampens the vibrations, producing a dull, low thud. On the other hand, an older coconut, which has lost a significant amount of water, develops an air cavity. Tapping it results in a more hollow, higher-pitched sound.
So, the next time you’re picking one, listen for a low thud and minimal sloshing if you want sweet coconut water.
Also Read: This Tangy Goan Mango Coconut Curry By Sameera Reddy Is A Must-Try This Summer; Recipe Here!
Did you know about this trick? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/AbElena
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.FAQs
How can you tell if a coconut has sweet water?
You can look for coconuts with patli malai, or thin flesh, as they tend to have sweeter water.