So, if you are buying your coconut water from the supermarket or local store and it is pink then you cannot change the colour back to clear. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links (denoted '*'), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Black Bean & Portobello Mushroom Tacos Recipe | Ad, My Favourite Sustainable Hangouts In Brighton. Fresh coconut water from a coconut: 3-4 hours, Coconut water unopened: Best buy date + 6 months, https://www.doesitgobad.com/does-coconut-water-go-bad/, https://www.eatbydate.com/fruits/fresh/how-long-do-coconuts-last-shelf-life/. This is the turning point at which the volume of water starts to decrease. Once you can open this lid remove it and check the interior. But over time, it will gradually start to turn pink. Comments: Sugar, sugar, sugar!, OMG, this is one of the worst ones youve made us taste, has a metallic finish, I grew up in the Philipines and this is nothing like I grew up with, Too sweet!. According to NutritionValue.org, coconut water contains important nutrients, such as vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and calcium. Youll soon reach the hard capsule that forms around the cavity inside. I came across this question while researching coconuts and couldnt find a suitable answer so decided to look a little deeper to see if there had been some research papers published to answer this question. The sugar content also increases as the coconut reaches full maturity, but the level varies depending on its variety (tall, dwarf or hybrid). Temperature, age, sugar content, and how long the water has been exposed to air can all affect the coloration of coconut water. If youre a big coconut water drinker, you may have noticed something funny going on with your coconut water sometimes, its pink! It's similar to how an apple turns brown after being cut and exposed to the air. This means that antioxidant content in pink coconut water could be less than in the clearish water. You cannot change the colour if the coconut water is already pink, you can only prevent it from pinking if it is still a clear liquid. However, another study, in which the subjects lost 2% of their body weight in water, showed no significant difference between bottled water, sports drinks and coconut water for rehydration, concluding that all of the studied drinks helped with rehydration more or less equally. Personally, I think of white, fluffy macaroons, white, syrupy coconut milk or white, frothy pina coladas. Unremarkable, but nothing to set it further back in the pack. So essentially, purple coconut water is simply coconut water that has been exposed to the sun for a long period of time allowing the polyphenol enzymes have become oxidized. In the first three months, the coconuts interior is composed of a hard kernel that starts to expand and form the shell. This is truly one of the worst weve tasted. I first discovered pink coconut water after stashing a bottle of regular Rebel Kitchen coconut water* in my fridge for a few days, and came back to find that it had too reached a lovely pale pink colour. Beyond cooking, coconut oil is used in soap, detergent, makeup and candles. This means most coconuts are harvested for their water at about 6-7 months, but depending on the coconut variety, the level of sugar in the water can vary up to twofold. Studies show varied results regarding whether coconut water improves rehydration. Journal of Physiological Anthropology and Applied Human Science. The interior of a coconut contains liquid and pulp which make up the endosperm that feeds the plant embryos of the trees. Which, it turns out, should also taste better. It was an unfamiliar bottle and the color of the liquid was near magenta. This is why flavor largely depends on the variety of coconut. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. at about 12 months, and their contents gradually change throughout that period of growth. I should know, I was part of a company they tried freezing them with luquid nitrogen to preserve them for the long trip to America. showed that athletes who had trained for 90 minutes and lost 3% of body weight in water had rehydrated better with coconut water (65%), sports drink (68%) and sodium-enhanced coconut water (69%) compared to plain water (58%) after an hour. For instance, Alessandro R Demaio, MD maintained that most benefits come not from coconut water itself, but from its meatier cousin: the actual coconut. Your site is so fantastic. When you crack open a fresh young coconut and pour out its contents, the water will look transparent at first. Pour out the water into a bowl, and scoop out the contents of the coconut with a spoon into another bowl. Comments: Bland x 3, Smooth, Average. You've only seen one page. Its the same process for apples that are cut and exposed to oxygen. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Google Adsense Partners and other companies linked to on this site. Comments: A bit Flat, Not much flavor, This does the job, but nothing special, Slightly acrid (possibly an off batch, so well recheck soon), Rounded flavor, Slight dirt taste.. I believe I noted that the colour came from oxidisation, although how that changes the nutrition of coconut water Im not sure. When optimum conditions for polyphenol activity was present, the water from younger coconuts, around 7 8 months old turned pink while the more mature coconuts, around 9 10 months old, showed no discolouration.[2]. Pink coconut water, on the other hand, has a noticeably more robust taste which highly processed brands try to mimic with additives. It looks like you're using an unsupported browser. Rate of reaction of the different ages of coconut[2]. 2022 Healthy Human. This site is a participant in the Google Adsense program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Unfortunately, Ive got a crazy good nose for picking up subtle odors. If you take the coconut water out of the coconut and leave it in a bottle or glass in the sun for 2 days, it will start to go purple. Other factors to consider include the origin of fresh coconuts, their shipping time and how long they have sat on the grocers shelf. I first came across this phenomenon after laying my hands on raw coconut water and have been wondering about it ever since. Coconut water turns pink due to the enzyme action of the polyphenol oxidase already present in the water and the phenol compounds such as catechin and epicatechin also present in coconut water. Retasted 4.19 Nasty!, Even worse than before, Plastic taste, Foul. It may come as a surprise that some coconut water turns pink. There are plenty of coconut water brands available on the market, but as with most fruit juices, the best coconut water comes from a fresh coconut, for nutrition and purity. If you're an avid coconut water drinker, you've probably come across a bottle of this refreshing beverage with a slight pink tint. Hi Jimmy, thanks so much for this insight! This apparently only affects Thai coconuts. Research published in the Annals of the Brazil Academy of Sciences states that coconut water is antioxidant-rich. All I know is, rather than stand around wondering "why is this coconut water pink!?" How Can You Prevent the Pink Discolouring of Coconut Water from Occurring? The first time I noticed pink coconut water, I was in a mildly run-down neighborhood grocery store. Placing a little lemon juice or vitamin C will prevent them from browning. In my personal taste tests, there's no comparison. Dr. Axe explained that, just like an apple that's been sliced and sits oxidizing on the counter, the color of untreated coconut water will start to turn once the water is extracted from the fruit. The nutrition of coconut water can vary when you purchase sweetened or unsweetened coconut water. link to How To Care For A Blueberry Bush: Expert Blueberry Farmers Tips, link to How To Successfully Grow Peanuts in California. Im glad my little guide could help, Murrah! Hi Sonja, sorry but I have no idea I just wrote about pink coconut water here! Smells like a pond. In this article we will discuss the following: We will now discuss a little deeper into what benefits this pink colour implies (its interesting to note that the same reason, process and nutrition also applies to the meat of the coconut turning pink) along with more about why it occurs and how you can stop the pink discolouring from occurring in the first place. For a pasta salad with true star power, build flavor as you go. The ripest coconuts should be smooth and retain their moisture. Now conveniently offered in an easy, ready to go 11.2z offering, were proud to present ourOrganic Nam Hom Coconut Water, just as Mother Nature intended -really delicious, *Never From Concentrate, No Added Sugars, unique Plant-Based Hydration, Serving Size 330ml Servings per Container - 1 Calories 90 Total Fat 0g Saturated 0 g Trans Fat 0 g Cholesterol 0 mg Sodium 25 mg Carbohydrate 22 g Fiber 0 g Sugars 18 g Protein 0 g Potassium 630 mg, "This is way better than the cold-pressed one I pick up from Whole Foods! Comments: Smooth; tastes oddly creamy. Now, it is also popularly consumed for rehydration after workouts. Comments: Innocuous, Bland, Not unpleasant, Would do in a pinch, Price is right, Slight off taste. Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova, How to Buy the Right Coconut Milk (or Water) (or Cream), Blueberry-Beet Smoothie with Coconut Water. Another common method that is used to prevent pinking of coconut water is to mix various ages of coconut water together. I just grabbed a harmless harvest coconut water and it was pink. It tends to happen in the coconut water from young coconuts (7-8 months old) more than older coconuts (9-10 months old). Polyphenol oxidase activity for different varieties of coconuts, Fig 1. This means that if the copper present in the coconut water is below this level pinking may not occur. I simply walked away. Im not a fan of sweet drinks to start with, but I couldnt finish the bottle. Throw the rest away, Its like drinking glucose. The pink hue that occurs through the oxidation can also vary, depending on the variety of coconuts used to supply the coconut water. It also has higher amounts of Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium. The same process is common in mangoes, apples and avocados when their surface turns brown. Coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut cream are all terms that tend to crop up regularly for those who are health conscious. The above clearly explains why some coconut water turns pink while other coconut water does not. No, it does happen, again due to the above reasons this is why it has turned a pink colour, although it is not so common in unopened coconuts. Comments: Ok, Unremarkable, Bland, Middle of the pack, Grassy, Simple,Tastes like plastic. In fact, if anything, it is a good sign that your coconut water is actually full of good nutrition and the phenol compounds present are also a good sign that there is plenty of healthy antioxidants present unless of course, the pink colour is due to high-temperature processing. The activity of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme can be further enhanced by the presence of copper along with exposure of the coconut water to high temperature during processing. Its not to say that clear coconut water does not oxidise over time, but its pasteurisation process (or packaging) prevents it from being as pure and raw as possible, thus slowing the oxidisation process but also lowering the potassium value too. Contaminated? This process occurs because coconut contains the enzyme, Coconut water is found inside young, green coconuts (, Coconut trees are found in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world and they are the most abundant fruit tree on earth! Time to answer the question: why does coconut water turn pink? Comments: The vitamin C which is added as a preservative is not nearly as overwhelming as other brands that use it. The other taster said I was crazy, but, after I pointed it out, he said it was all he could think about. No!, Horrible. Too sweet! Toasty coconut, but a bit much. Our current comments from 2021-2022 are: This is much more similar from bottle to bottle than it used to be. In terms of exact numbers, Coconut water is 95% water, along with small amounts of calories (19), protein (1g), carbs (4g), dietary fiber (1g) and sugar (roughly 2.6g, though it varies). We have recently undertaken a new Dragon Fruit farm with friends. So, what causes this? Coconuts are usually shipped with their husks removed, so they will appear white, smooth and have a symmetrical shape. I'm Besma. Comments: A bit watery, Bland but refreshing, light, Smooth, Not much body, Not much character, Slightly astringent. Also, different varieties naturally exhibit lower polyphenol oxidase regardless of age. Every part of the plant is useful: Coconuts reach full maturity at about 12 months, and their contents gradually change throughout that period of growth. My best advice would be to drink pink coconut water as soon as you get it, so as to benefit from the higher potassium content but also to prevent it from oxidising further. As if those benefits weren't enough, coconut water also has a lightly sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Illustration of Polyphenol Oxidase Activity, Different varieties of coconuts in Fig 1 and Table 1 above: Coconio (Green Dwarf), Aromatic Green Dwarf, Pilipog Green Dwarf, Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD), Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD), Laguna Tall and Tacunan Green Dwarf. We've been interested in fruit over the last few decades and have been busy with improving our knowledge of the different varieties. Its not bad for you (that we know of) but its definitely any better for you (that we know of), its just marketing spin on what 7 day old coconut water is better for you than drinking it direct from the nut, here in sunny Thailand. Coconut roots are used as a toothbrush or roasted to create a hot brewed drink similar to coffee, Coconut leaves are used to make thatch roofing and brooms. Comments: The jury is still out on this one; only two of the tasting panel have tried it because of Covid-19. Is it stale? The Persian-style grilled corn from Andy Baraghanis childhood is so good that it doesnt need butter. The most common that the purple ones are higher in antioxidants. Well get back to this when we can get 10 people in a room again, but for now, Im putting it at #7. Production has to be minimal for the living enzymes to remain in the water, so its likely that if your coconut water turns pink, its because it has been raw cold-pressed, or processed in a similar, very limited manner. Nearly all parts of the coconut are edible and its sap is used to create an alcoholic drink, Coconut is revered for its medicinal properties. Crunchy ribbons of zucchini, meet creamy Caesar dressing. How To Care For A Blueberry Bush: Expert Blueberry Farmers Tips. Comments: It smells like piss, Slightly soapy, Tastes like old coconuts, Smooth. Our first impressions best very cold. This process occurs because coconut contains the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Comments: What is that off taste? There is something odd here it tastes like it has preservatives. Its unforgettable because its so bad! How can unadulterated coconut taste like this? I think this may be worse than the regular version of C. Comments: Ugh nasty, Astringent, No body, Lousy aftertaste, Off taste. Coconut water is a tasty beverage that many people consume as part of their healthy lifestyle. Try it with a splash of pineapple juice or lime to add more flavor. Curiously Conscious is my journal where I document kinder ways to live and dress. This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe Practically Makes Itself. If youre unsure try a sip to check for the pleasant, mild flavor coconut water is known for, and enjoy! So, it is safe to drink pink coconut water as it is merely an oxidation process, much like when an apple turns brown when sliced open and exposed to oxygen. Served over ice, its pastel-pink hue looks like something that could be marketed as a rose, hibiscus or strawberry infusion. Comments: The milk color is odd, Water from real/green coconuts dont look milky like this, I can taste the preservative, Boring, Nothing to make it memorable, Slight coconut oil taste on the finish.. Having grown over 45 varieties of blueberries How To Successfully Grow Peanuts in California. Bottled directly at the source within beautiful Ratchaburi, Thailand - ourhand-picked young Organic Nam Hom coconuts have a sweeter, lighter, more aromatic taste and flavor. This indicates that it may have started to ferment. It is especially delicious in the summer when it helps prevent dehydration. In contrast, a serving of fresh coconut meat contains far more fat (33g), carbs (15g), dietary fiber (9g), and sugar (6g). Because of the gentle processing, these waters have a shorter shelf life than their counterparts. Looking purely at nutritional value, it appears that pink coconut water may be slightly higher in sugar content, but it also has a higher potassium content, which is usually the reason why coconut water is being consumed in the first place. To crack open your coconut, it helps to have a large sharp knife. High-heat processing causes many commercial coconut waters to loose their natural flavor. A study on polyphenols showed they are effective in reducing Inflammation such as in coronary artery disease. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. First, youll shave off the white top pyramid layer horizontally. As mentioned above the presence of copper metal ions in the coconut water can enhance the activity of the enzyme Polyphenol Oxidase responsible for turning the water pink. The coconut water must also come in a transparent bottle rather than a can or Tetra Pak for it to turn pink. You can blend the water with the meat to make coconut milk, or you can simply sip the water and enjoy the natural elixir. But sadly if you want coconut products in the US that havent been pasturized, preserved or otherwise tampered with, they will begin to spoil and oxidization of the polyphenols is just one of the side effects from transporting coconut water outside of their shells. Coconut water turns pink due to a combination of the production process and natural maturity of the coconut water. Somewhat heavy/filling, which gets old, Still somewhat sweet, Fresh and refreshing.. Generally pinking will occur at the 3 to 4 hours the coconut water is exposed to oxygen. "This purposefully ambiguous labeling can refer to any number of ingredients," he says, "and we as the general public have no idea what it means." You can prevent the pink discolouring of coconut from occurring if your coconut is freshly picked by making sure you refrigerate it quickly. You can also ask your grocer when the shipment arrived, to estimate the amount of time it took to ship. Should you be concerned? Research from the Thai National AGRIS Centre found that pink coconut water had lower levels of manganese and phenolic compounds. Revered by cultures around the world, the coconut tree has, It produces commodities for export: fresh coconuts, dried coconut, coconut milk and coconut oil. No refining, no pasteurising, no treating. Since then, I've seen coconut water in varying shades of pink everywhere from Whole Foods to gas stations. Your email address will not be published. Usually, it will occur in young picked coconuts due to the high polyphenol oxidase levels. You may suspect that its a good sign that you can hear water sloshing inside. Here's why. Check the exterior first. We have lots more on the site to show you. At about 5 months, a thin layer of jelly appears inside the shell, sealing a pressurized cavity filled with coconut water. If your coconut water isnt fresh from a coconut and isnt pink, the manufacturer may have added chemicals to remove the polyphenols from the product. Comments: Lingering chemical aftertaste. Theres no whisking or tempering involved, and the ingredients dont even have to come to room temperature. This versatile dish makes those bits and bobs into fantastic comfort food. Woody, Too sweet. To revisit this recipe, visit My Account, thenView saved recipes. "The same is true about pink coconut water.". These will act as an antioxidant which will block the oxidation process from occurring. Tip: Learn more tips on hydration including the top 7 most hydrating drinks from our guide: According to the USDA, water from fresh coconuts contains few calories, a low amount of sugar and healthy antioxidants and Potassium, an electrolyte helpful for rehydration. Meanwhile the one doctor who recommended coconut water for its health benefits, also pointed out that these benefits were not enough to make up for the high cost and shipping. Rest assured that if your drink turns pink, the coconut water is still safe to drink. It should appear transparent in color. Rest assured that, just as you can eat a brown apple, you can safely consume pink coconut water. All coconut water when still in the coconut and on the tree is clear, however as outlined above due to the reaction of Polyphenol oxidase with phenols, enhanced by the presence of copper, when exposed to oxygen and sunlight will oxidise, turning a pink colour if there is enough Polyphenol Oxidase present. Comments: Tastes off., Chemical tones, Flat, No, I wouldnt buy this, Near the bottom of my list, Doesnt taste much like anything. Think of it like bananas the more mature they get, the sweeter and blacker they are. Here's a breakdown: This may still leave you wondering what exactly are the benefits of coconut water? Comments: Would be great over ice, Toasty coconut, Nutty, Pleasant, smooth and balanced, Smooth, Nice mouthfeel and body, Smooth coconut without the oily aftertaste, younger coconuts for a change., This coconut water has been on our list since 2015, but has been all over the place since with comments across the range from: Excellent, bright, toasty flavor to Unpleasant aftertaste, No! Coconut husk creates an excellent fertilizer to help other plants grow. Comments: This reminds me of home, but not quite as good, Much better than all of the others, Expensive for what you get, Im not sure its worth it, Tastes like real coconut, Oily, but in a good way, Wow, I could drink a ton of this. Picture your favorite foods and drinks made with coconut. Brands may add ingredients to either enhance the nutrients or preserve the drink. Coconut husk can also create rope and carpets. Try this iced tea using oxidized coconut water for the "Millenial Pink" hydrator of your dreams: 2022 Cond Nast.