A Dozen Unusual Ways With Coconut Water
JAMES COLQUHOUN
Known as nature’s natural hydration, electrolyte-rich coconut water is a delicious addition to your smoothies and juices, or simply enjoyed straight up! But there are plenty more uses for this wonder drink than you may have thought. Here are 12 of the most unusual (but awesome!) ways with one of our favorite beverages!
1. Wash Your Face
Coconut water is popular in India for clarifying the face and is said to reduce acne, control oily skin and moisturize. Try it yourself with fresh, unsweetened coconut water!
2. Cure A Hangover
Enjoyed yourself a little too much last night? Dehydration and reduced electrolyte levels are the major reasons you’re feeling so lousy. Drink coconut water before you go to bed that night, or drink it in between glasses to help cut down the likelihood of a bad hangover. Drinking less alcohol will also help!
3. Swap It For Stock
Try using coconut water as a replacement for stock or plain water when cooking soup or rice! It adds a unique flavor to your dish, and can be used sweet or savory.
4. Make Icy Poles!
Slice fresh fruit and add to ice block moulds. Pour coconut water in and place in the freezer to set. It’s hydration and a pretty, nourishing snack all in one!
5. Support Your Gut Health (Coconut Kefir)
Create a probiotic rich drink using water kefir grains. You can order these online or at your local health food store. It’s similar to kombucha helping to nourish and support your gut health.
6. Cool Down!
Whether you’re making a punch or simply wanting an icy cold drink, make coconut water ice cubes! Add edible flowers, lavender, or pieces of fruit such as blueberries and raspberries for a gorgeous way to chill any drink and cool yourself down!
7. Make An Iced Coffee (Shot Of Espresso In Coconut Water)
Move over milk, coconut water makes a great base for an iced coffee. Simply pair 1 shot of espresso with as much coconut water as you like. Serve over ice cubes. Perhaps coconut water ice cubes?!
8. Face Mask
Take a little time to pamper yourself. Simply combine a dash of lemon, coconut water, a pinch of cinnamon, a dollop of natural yogurt, a little turmeric, and some quick oats to create a paste. Leave on for 5-10 minutes. Your skin should feel nourished and soft with this calming mask.
9. Make Healthy Candy With It! (Agar Agar, Juice And Coconut Water)
Kids and big kids alike will love these jello-style candies. Simply combine ½ a cup of agar agar (or quality grass-fed gelatin) with ½ cup of boiling water, ½ cup of fresh fruit juice (just don’t use pineapple or passionfruit, it won’t set), 1 cup of coconut water, and 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Pour into a lined container and set in the fridge. Cut into whatever shapes you like once firm and enjoy!
10. Make A Salad Dressing!
Create a delightful dressing by combining ¼ cup of coconut water, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 2 tbsp of olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper. It works amazing with a mixed fruit and vegetable salad! Perfect for Summer!
11. Bake Vegetables!
This one we weren’t too sure about initially, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Prepare 1 pound of vegetables for roasting as usual, then toss them in the salad dressing above, with an added ¼ cup of orange juice, 2 tbsp tamari, 1 tbsp of mustard and 1 tbsp of crushed garlic. Roast as per usual.
12. Make Pancakes!
That’s right, if you’ve run out of milk at home, simply swap the milk out of your recipe for coconut water! Your pancakes will be light with a slightly different texture, but it works!
What Other Ways Do You Enjoy Coconut Water?
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James Colquhoun is the filmmaker behind Food Matters, Hungry For Change, and Transcendence Seasons 1 & 2 and founder of Food Matters and FMTV. Along with Laurentine ten Bosch, James founded the Food Matters community following the release of the 2008 documentary, giving people the tools (films, books, articles, and guided programs) to take charge of their own health. From here, FMTV was born! It was designed as a place where you can access vital information by watching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews, & recipe videos in one place, and in early 2020 FMTV found it's new home on Gaia.