Coconut Water

Coconut water is the clear liquid inside a young green coconut, known as thambili water when it comes from the orange king coconut of Sri Lanka and elaneer or ilaneer in Tamil. It is different from coconut milk, which is pressed from the grated white flesh of a mature nut. Coconut water sits within our soft drinks and juices range, beside fruit drinks.

In South India and Sri Lanka it is sold from roadside stalls, the top of the coconut cut off with a machete. Bottled coconut water is the easy version for a hot day, after exercise or with a spicy meal. It makes a clean base for smoothies, mocktails and chilled fruit punch, and some cooks use it in place of water for a lightly sweet rice or dessert. Brands include Sunrise.

Look at the label to see whether it is pure coconut water or has added sugar or pulp, and choose accordingly. Serve it cold, and once opened, keep it in the fridge and drink it within a day or two, as its fresh taste fades quickly. For fizzier drinks, see fizzy drinks.