Step 1

With a sturdy cleaver, crack open the coconut. Bang the cleaver on the top of the coconut until you hear a crack. Be very careful by removing your other hand when using cleaver. Do NOT hold the coconut when using the cleaver unless you’re an expert.

Step 2

Strain the coconut water out, and keep it for smoothies and other refreshing drinks.

Step 3

With the coconut pieces left, scoop our the white flesh/meat inside. Use a paring knife or continue to hit the back of the coconut until the meat falls off from the shell.

Step 4

Rinse the coconut meat well, and chop it into small pieces. Then add your coconut meat to a blender or food processor along with about two cups of water.

Step 5

Blend it into a thick liquid, and then strain it using a metal strainer or cheesecloth so you can separate the coconut pulp/meat from the coconut milk.

Step 6

Squeeze the coconut pulp well with your hands to get the most coconut milk to strain out.