Delicious Dishes Made with Macapuno Coconut - A Rare Tra Vinh Specialty

The unique macapuno coconut from Tra Vinh, detailing its distinct flavor, various ways to enjoy it, and tips on how to select and store this rare delicacy. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Macapuno coconut is a delightful culinary treat, known for its thick, creamy coconut meat. There's nothing better than enjoying a refreshing cup of macapuno coconut on a hot summer day. If you haven't had the chance to experience the unique flavor of this fruit, let’s dive in and explore more about macapuno coconut and how to prepare some delicious dishes using it. 

1. What is Macapuno Coconut?

Macapuno coconut, also known as creamy coconut or thick-fleshed coconut, is a famous specialty from Cau Ke - Tra Vinh. The uniqueness of this coconut comes from a genetic mutation combined with the special climate and soil conditions of Tra Vinh, making it the only place in Vietnam where this variety can be grown. This rarity is also why macapuno coconut is quite expensive.

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The macapuno coconut has thick, soft meat with a rich and flavorful taste, far superior to regular coconuts. The coconut water is thick like syrup and crystal clear. When you drink macapuno coconut water, you’ll experience a sweet, refreshing taste, along with a fragrant aroma and high nutritional value. Consumed regularly, macapuno coconut can be considered a natural health tonic.

2. How to Prepare Macapuno Coconut the Right Way

There are many ways to enjoy macapuno coconut, depending on personal preference. Here are some classic and tasty ways to prepare it:

2.1. MacapunoCoconut Smoothie

A macapuno coconut smoothie is a refreshing and delicious choice to cool down on hot summer days. With a simple recipe, you can create a nutritious drink for the whole family in just a few minutes.

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Simply use a blender to puree the meat from inside the macapuno coconut. Then, add some sugar and milk to taste, along with ice, and blend until smooth. With these basic ingredients, you’ll have a tasty, cold macapunococonut smoothie ready to enjoy. You can also add toppings like roasted peanuts, syrup, or any other favorite toppings to enhance the flavor.

2.2. Macapuno Coconut with Mixed Fruits

For a unique and flavorful treat, try macapuno coconut mixed with fruits. Just scoop out the coconut meat and mix it with your favorite fruits like mango, avocado, or jackfruit. Add some crushed ice, syrup, roasted peanuts, or dried coconut to elevate the taste.

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The combination of the rich, sweet macapuno coconut with the tangy sweetness of the fruits will captivate your taste buds. This is a unique macapuno coconut dish that you can easily prepare at home.

2.3. Macapuno Coconut Ice Cream

Macapuno coconut ice cream is a delicious snack that you won’t want to miss. To make this treat, simply prepare some heavy cream, condensed milk, macapuno coconut meat, and plain yogurt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and blend until smooth.

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Next, pour the mixture into molds and freeze for about 6 hours. Once frozen, you can enjoy a delightful macapuno coconut ice cream, topped with roasted peanuts, rice flakes, or dried coconut for an extra layer of flavor.

2.4. Frozen Macapuno Coconut

For a quick and simple snack, try freezing the entire macapuno coconut for about 4 hours. Once the coconut meat is about 80% frozen, you can scoop it out with a spoon and enjoy it straight away. Alternatively, you can mix it with a bowl of rice, add some sugar and milk, and savor the full flavor.

3. The Price of Macapuno Coconut

Due to its rarity and unique taste, macapuno coconut is typically priced quite high, ranging from 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND per fruit. In some places, the price can go up to 400,000 VND per fruit, yet it still attracts many buyers.

You can find macapuno coconut at specialty stores in the Mekong Delta, especially in Tra Vinh. Here, you’ll easily find macapuno coconuts at reasonable prices and guaranteed quality. Additionally, some supermarkets and e-commerce platforms also offer this type of coconut.

4. How to Properly Store Macapuno Coconut

Freshly harvested macapuno coconuts can be stored for about 15-20 days at room temperature. If you store them in the freezer, they can last for over a month. When kept in the refrigerator’s cooling compartment, macapuno coconuts can be stored for 25-30 days. For macapuno coconut meat that has been scooped out, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a week.

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However, it’s important to note that storing the coconut for too long may cause it to lose its fresh taste, making the meat less chewy and diminishing its natural sweetness. Therefore, to enjoy the best flavor of macapuno coconut, it’s recommended to consume it within 10 days.

When storing macapuno coconuts, it’s essential to keep them in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to mold or spoilage. If storing in the refrigerator, use an airtight container to maintain freshness. If storing in the freezer, wrap the coconut tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

I hope the information provided has given you some great ideas on how to prepare macapuno coconut. This versatile and nutritious fruit can be enjoyed in many different ways, so try out some of the methods I’ve shared and enjoy it with your family!

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)