We have coconut trees in our yard, and old coconuts randomly fall. We opened one with a machete, and I used a butter knife to separate the meat from the shell.
Raw coconut has a wonderfully nutty flavor, like an almond. You can really taste the natural oils while chewing.
If you have access to whole coconuts, I recommend buying them instead of coconut flakes if you’re looking for snack food. They’re good for a post-workout nibble. You can use a cleaver to break open the shell.
Bonus: Raw coconut is vegan friendly. I’m not a vegan, but I look to vegan dishes every once in a while for inspiration.
ATB 