Coconut water is the cloudy liquid obtained from (preferably) whole green coconuts and may sometimes be referred to as coconut juice. The natural juice is low in carbohydrates and very rich in potassium. This drink became very popular in the early 2000's to the extent it is bottled, canned and Tetra Pak cartons available in most local markets in the U.S. A six ounce serving of natural coconut water is only about 36 calories. The liquid from the young coconuts supposedly is higher in nutrients compared to the water from older coconuts but both are refreshing.
Don't confuse this with coconut milk which is a completely different product.
To collect the liquid from a fresh coconut, simply puncture a hole in the bottom of the coconut and allow liquid to drain into a clean container. The amount of water in a coconut can really vary.
According to the USDA there is about 3/4 of a cup of coconut water in an average coconut. In a young, green, coconut you may get 8 to 16 ounces of water but older coconuts will have less. The older the coconut the less water you'll be able to retrieve.
If you are buying coconut water you should check the label because some producers add flavorings and even sugar. You can purchase whole, green coconuts in some heath food stores and in many Asian markets.
If you have a recipe that lists coconut water as an ingredient, and you don't have it you could substitute one of these options:
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