Pretty Pops

Fresh coconut water is one of the richest natural sources of electrolytes which makes it the best sports drink around.

Summer is here, and it's important to stay hydrated in the heat, or any time. Drinking enough water is something I struggle with, so I made these healthy, hydrating treats to add to my liquid intake.

Coconut water has so many amazing health benefits (see my post "Island Inspired" for the complete list) but when the temps rise, its the way in which the coconut water hydrates the human body that's so remarkable. Fresh coconut water is one of the richest natural sources of electrolytes which makes it the best sports drink around. So grab a coconut and a straw and you're good to go!

The key, however, is to get the water fresh from the young Thai coconut. Breaking open a coconut is potentially tricky but once you practice a few times, you'll be a pro. I use an old sturdy, large chef knife and a hammer. I gently pound the knife with the hammer at the top of the coconut on three sides to make a triangular opening. 

After I pour the delicious sweet water into a jar, I cut the coconut in half and carefully scoop out the rich coconut meat avoiding the brown pith. The meat is a precious commodity to make egg salad, noodles, ice-cream and so many other yummy raw delicacies. The coconut meat and the coconut water can both be frozen for a few months and easily defrosted it in the refrigerator overnight. 

Recipe

Ingredients

2 young Thai coconuts
1 handful edible Nasturtium flowers
**or any edible pretty decoration.

Process

Open the top of the fresh coconut. Pour coconut water into a jar or bowl. Stir in flowers or any other edible decoration. Pour into the popsicle mold and push the wooden stick down a few times to push down flowers because they tend to float to the top. Freeze overnight.