Summer Smoothies with Coconut

My favorite health food store in NYC just started selling raw young thai coconut meat from Exotic Superfoods in the freezer section. I was delighted, because it’s summer and I love making smoothies and ice cream with coconut. The meat comes in a 16 oz. package with strips of soft coconut meat. I defrosted it in the refrigerator for one day, then used it all week long to make smoothies for breakfast or after my workouts.

It is so convenient and a heck of a lot easier than traveling down to Chinatown to buy young coconuts, taking them back on the subway, and cracking each one open with a butcher knife (making a mess of my kithcen). That’s fun too…but it is seriously exhausting to lug those coconuts around.

Last week I made my first smoothies with the raw coconut (see recipe below). It was so good, so I made the same smoothie all week. A few times I added a half of banana and left out the agave. This one is perfect for summer and is great for keeping your skin shiny and moisturized. I plan to pick up more of the frozen coconut meat this week. Any ideas for new recipes?

Coconut-Pineapple-Raspberry Smoothie

(makes 1 small smoothie)

2-3 strips of young coconut meat

1/2 cup frozen pineapple

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1/2 cup coconut water

1 tsp. agave nectar

Blend all the ingredients together on high until you get a smooth consistency. Pour in a glass and enjoy!