Coconut water
Coconut water is the clear liquid inside young coconuts. In early development, it serves as a suspension for the endosperm of the coconut during the nuclear phase of development. As development continues, the endosperm matures into its cellular phase and deposits into the rind of the coconut pulp. The liquid inside young coconuts is sometimes preferred to the liquid of a ripened coconut. Coconut water from young green coconuts is also known specifically as buko juice in Philippine English.
Harvesting
Fresh coconuts are typically harvested from the tree while they are green. A hole may be bored into the coconut to provide access to the "meat". In young coconuts, the liquid and air may be under some pressure and may spray slightly when the inner husk is first penetrated. Coconuts that have fallen to the ground are susceptible to rot and damage from insects or other animals.Products
Plain coconut water has long been a popular drink in tropical countries, where it is available fresh, canned, or bottled.Coconuts for drinking are served chilled, fresh, or packaged. They are often sold by street vendors who cut them open with machetes or similar implements in front of customers. Coconut water for retail can be found in ordinary aluminum cans, Tetra Paks, glass bottles or plastic bottles, sometimes with coconut pulp or coconut jelly included.
Coconut water can be fermented to produce coconut vinegar. It is also used to make nata de coco, a jelly-like food.
Nutritional value
Providing of food energy in a amount, coconut water is 95% water and 4% carbohydrates, with negligible protein and fat content. Coconut water contains small amounts of vitamins and dietary minerals, all under 10% of the Daily Value.Risks
The Food and Drug Administration has identified a risk of bacterial contamination in coconut water sold as "raw".Anecdotal sources describe coconut water being used in the southern part of India for senicide, the killing of elderly people, a procedure known as thalaikoothal. In this custom, the elderly person is made to drink an excessive amount of coconut water, eventually resulting in fever and death, the exact causes of which have not been determined.
False advertising
s attributing health benefits to coconut water are disallowed by certain regulatory agencies like the United States Food and Drug Administration. They warn producers that making misleading marketing claims are inappropriate for the product.Some companies have faced class-action lawsuits over false advertising claims that the product is "super-hydrating", "nutrient-packed", and "mega-electrolyte". The plaintiffs also alleged that one company, Vita Coco, falsely claimed that its product had "15 times the electrolytes found in sports drinks" and misrepresented the levels of sodium and magnesium as advertised. The company denied any wrongdoing and settled the lawsuit for US$10 million in April 2012.