One of the most resourceful fruits is the coconut. It’s healthy, delicious, fresh, and has numerous uses. But do you know how long coconuts last? Can they ever go bad and rot? Let’s find out by reading this article!
How Long Do Coconuts Last?
Just like every other fruit, coconuts can go bad if left for a short time. The biggest question is, how long do coconuts last? The answer will vary depending on the situation of the coconuts. Check the explanation below!
1. Whole Coconut
In the case of a whole coconut and haven’t been opened yet, that coconut will last for approximately four to five months at room temperature storage. Putting it in the refrigerator is a different thing; it will only stay fresh for three months. So, it’s better to store coconut it at room temperature.
2. Opened Coconut
Are you curious about how long does a coconut last once opened? Cutting a coconut and then putting it at room temperature is not recommended. Since the coconut will go bad and rotten faster than usual.
If you already cut your coconut and cannot finish it in one sitting then you have to put it in the refrigerator. At least, your coconut will last for a week in the refrigerator. However, if you take all the flesh and put it separately in a dry container and freeze it, the coconut flesh will stay edible for up to eight months.
3. Dry Coconut
The most long-lasting coconut is in the form of a dry coconut. How long does dried coconut last? Dry or desiccated coconut can last between six to twelve months, depending on the quality of the coconut.
The better the quality is, the longer it can last. If you put it in the refrigerator, you can prolong its freshness for up to two more weeks. So, assuming you only need coconut flavor and not freshness, dry coconut will be a good solution.
Desiccated Coconut
- Desiccated Coconut is a versatile ingredient and ideal for fillers, toppings, and ingredients, especially in baking biscuits, snack bars, cakes, cookies, and many more.
- Our Desiccated Coconut has a sweet aroma of coconut and mild characteristics of coconut without being rancid.
4. Coconut Oil
If you buy refined coconut oil, you can keep it for approximately 18-36 months. However, if you purchase virgin coconut oil, you can save it longer, around 3-5 years.
What you need to remember is that the way you keep the coconut oil affects the longevity of the product. Don’t forget to keep it at room temperature and close the lid tightly to make sure the oil will not go bad before it’s time.
RBD Coconut Oil
- RBD Coconut Oil has a high smoke point
- Can withstand higher temperatures without burning or producing harmful compounds
- Enable to achieve delightful textures and flavors in your dishes
Related Article: A Simple Guide on How to Make RBD Coconut Oil for Cooking
What Happens if You Eat Rotten Coconut?
An open coconut that is exposed to air has a high chance of getting contaminated with bacteria. Not only that, but mycotoxins will likely grow inside the coconut as well. Thus, your coconut will not be safe to eat anymore, and if you force yourself to eat it, you will end up getting sick or poisoned.
If the coconut has been sitting for too long in the refrigerator, you have to throw it away. It’s better to be more cautious with the food you are eating. In some cases, food poisoning can lead to a more dangerous situation, such as death.
So you have to track when you buy coconuts to prevent food poisoning. Don’t eat coconuts that have been stored too long since it might endanger your health.
Related Article: What is Sweetened & Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut?
How Do You Know If a Coconut Is Still Edible?
Even though there is an approximate time for coconuts, some coconuts might go bad before that duration. Here are various ways to know whether our coconuts have gone bad or not:
1. A Crack on the Shell
A good, unopened coconut should not have any cracks on the shell. Since if there’s a crack, bacteria and mold can grow inside the coconut, it will make the fruit rotten. Therefore, if there is a crack in your coconut, you should be careful.
2. Unpleasant Smell
Normal and good coconut don’t usually have a strong smell, the smell is rather faint and fresh. If your coconut produces a weird or strong odor, it’s probably rotten. So don’t take the risk and just throw it away.
3. Strange Color
If there is no bad sign from outer appearance, you can open the coconut to make sure about its condition. If you find any discoloration after cutting it, don’t try to drink it. It’s dangerous for your body. Healthy coconut water should be transparent white. Any other color than that means your coconut is already spoiled and inedible.
4. Weird Flavor
Sometimes, you cannot see the sign directly. If there are no visual or odor changes to the coconut but the taste is already different, don’t continue consuming it. A normal coconut should be refreshing and tasty, if it already turns sour or bitter then you should discard it.
5. Light Coconut
Fresh coconut is full of coconut water. If your coconut is light, you should be suspicious. It means your coconut is not fresh anymore. Immediately consume it before it goes bad.
Related Article: What Types of Coconut Oil Used for Cooking?
Sari Coconut: Heaven to Coconut Products
If you are coconuts lovers and searching for a coconut supplier, Sari Coconut is a supplier providing various coconuts products from Indonesia. They provide coconut charcoal briquette, coconut oil, dried coconut, and coconut fiber. The quality of their products is top-notch as their vision is to satisfy their customer needs through high-quality products.
The coconuts from Sari Coconut are fresh and excellent, combined with good technology, resulting in a first-rate product. Get in touch with Sari Coconut!
FAQ
How long can you keep a fresh coconut?
Fresh coconut can last for around 4-5 months in room temperature storage.
How long do uncut coconuts last?
If the coconut hasn’t been opened yet, it can stay fresh for 3-5 months, depending on how you store it.
How long do open coconuts last?
In the refrigerator, the opened coconut will last for a week. It cannot be stored in a room temperature area since it could turn bad.
How do you know if a coconut has gone bad?
Pay attention to the coconut. If there is a crack, it’s likely the coconut has already gone bad. Unpleasant smell, strange color, and weird flavor are also characteristics of rotten coconut and must be discarded right away.
