Coconut water pulp ("meat"). In young coconuts, the liquid and air may be under some pressure and may spray slightly when the inner husk is first penetrated. Coconuts that have fallen to the ground are susceptible to rot and damage from insects or other animals. Plain coconut water has long been a popular drink in tropical countries, where it is available fresh, canned, or bottled. Coconuts for drinking are served chilled, fresh, or packaged. They are often sold by street vendors who cut them open with machetes or similar implements in front of customers. Coconut water for retail can be found in
Coconut and coconut milk are used, especially in Vietnam's southern style of cooking, including "kho", "chè", and curry ("cà ri"). In southern India, the most common way of cooking vegetables is to add grated coconut and then steam them with spices fried in oil. People from southern India also make chutney, which involves grinding the coconut with salt, chillies, and whole spices. "Uruttu chammanthi" (granulated chutney) is eaten with rice or "kanji" (rice gruel). It is also a main side dish served with "idli, vadai", and "dosai". Coconut ground with spices is mixed in "sambar" and other various lunch dishes for