Tender Coconut in Thailand

In India we’re used to roadside vendors selling tender coconut. In Thailand, we experienced a slightly sophisticated way of marketing tender coconut. Sharing the details and pics in this post.

In India tender coconuts are seldom refrigerated. They’re left on the roadside and after few days they loose their taste as coconut meat grows thick and water quantity and taste goes down. In Thailand, tender coconuts are either refrigerated or lot of ice is thrown around tender coconuts. This may increase its shelf life, buts adds to cost. It is difficult to enjoy the taste of tender coconut water when it is super chill.

Also the tender coconut is shaved flat at its bottom. Top also chopped off and just one more cut is needed before serving. Because of this, they can be stacked easily and won’t rollover. In some shops we found that even the side is shaved considerably. Helps save space, but needs extra effort. In India, a temporary spoon is made by slicing the side of tender coconut. However, it appears Thai vendors are not much familiar with this idea. At many places we got steel spoons to eat the inside contents. (Also due to excessive chopping on the sides, no outer skin is left to make spoon from). To one vendor in Pattaya, I took his knife, sliced the side of the tender coconut and make a spoon for myself. He appeared delighted at this idea. Also they make a very big opening on top, wasting lots of meat underneath. May be they should try this Upadhya’s tender coconut opener.

Above: Tender coconut with bottom chopped off.

Below: Tender coconuts stored in freezer

Taste was very good. No complaints. They don’t throw the consumer coconut shell at the roadside, they’re packed well and taken back. 

How much do tender coconut cost in Thailand? tender coconut price in Thailand varies between 20 Baht to 40 baht. (INR 38 to INR 76, 2-3 times what it costs in India). 20 baht at Grand Palace, River Kwai etc, 40 baht at Wat Arun, 25 Baht in most other places. It was 3 Ringgits in Malaysia (INR 45 last year). There was no branding of coconut like this one

The trend of nicely marketing tender coconut is catching up in India as well. Coco Board in Hyderabad is trying out nice carts- read this post. I've seen them wrapped and being sold in our office canteen for twice the price. Bottled version of tender coconut are also available now. Taj Vivanta in Bengaluru sells tender coconut water as a juice item.

Long live the tender coconut.

Also read: Natural drinks for summer.