Coconut water is a slightly sweet drink with numerous health benefits. Fresh coconut juice is milder than the fruit and has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor.
Coconut water is a great base for a fruit smoothie for its health benefits and natural flavor. It acts a natural sweetener that won't overpower the flavor balance of the fruit in your smoothie.
The health benefits of coconut include rehydration, antioxidants, lower blood sugar, and many more.
Coconut water is the rare drink that is both delicious and healthy.
Fresh vs Bottled Coconut Water
Fresh coconut water is sweeter than the flesh of the fruit and sours within 24 hours, which is why most packaged coconut water is pasteurized within minutes of being exposed to air.
Bottled coconut water is higher in sugar content because it's highly concentrated.
Bottled coconut water is pasteurized because of the bacteria located in fresh coconut.
As soon as a coconut is cracked open, it begins to oxidize and becomes susceptible to bacteria growth. Pasteurizing protects us from these potentially harmful bacteria.
Flavored coconut water adds more sugar and fructose syrup to an otherwise healthy drink.
Fresh coconut water is the best option for a healthy and refreshing treat.
What Can I Expect When Trying Coconut Water?
Coconut water tastes like the fruit, with a sweet and nutty flavor. The texture is similar to water, opaque but with a few strands of flesh particles.
Coconut water is slightly salty with earthy undertones. This unique flavor is due to the salty and tropical regions in which coconuts grow.
Is Coconut Water Good For You?
Coconut water is a natural and healthy beverage full of antioxidants and electrolytes.
It is beneficial in reducing blood pressure and the risk of strokes due to high potassium levels.
Fresh coconut water is loaded with potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
Coconut water is healthy for the heart and kidneys and is often used as a post-workout drink because of its rehydration properties.
Drinking coconut water also prevents blood clotting and helps blood flow through the arteries better.
Coconut water is fat-free and low in calories, but some bottled versions contain added sugars. It is best to drink fresh coconut water or a bottled version that does not contain additives.
For a comprehensive list of the health benefits of coconut water, see The Health Benefits of Coconut Water by the Cleveland Clinic.
How Long is Coconut Water Good for Once Opened?
Fresh coconut water has a shelf life of only 24 hours refrigerated due to the oxidation that occurs when fresh coconut is exposed to the air.
Bottled coconut water has a shelf life of 12 months due to the pasteurization process.
Coconut water left at room temperature should be thrown out after 3-4 hours. The amino acids break down at this point, and the water gets a sour smell.
What Does Kefir Coconut Water Taste Like?
Kefir coconut water is a great vegan alternative to Kefir dairy products. It is slightly tangy, similar to Kombucha but the natural taste of the coconut dominates.
Kefir is a fermented beverage made from cow's or goat's milk. It has more probiotics than yogurt and aids in breaking down harmful bacteria in the gut and fighting off infections.
Coconut kefir is coconut water made with kefir grains and provides beneficial bacteria to the body. The texture of kefir coconut water is thick, similar to yogurt, due to the fermentation process.
Conclusion
Coconut water is a flavorful beverage with antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium. These properties make it a natural rehydration drink that is fat-free and low in calories.
Fresh coconut water has a slightly salty undertone, which makes for a great base for smoothies or broths. Bottled coconut water is just as beneficial as the natural variation, as long as sugars and flavorings have not been added.
The beverage is opaque and thin, similar to water. If you are looking for a natural sweetener or post-workout drink, coconut water should be at the top of your list.
Jason
