Vietnamese Water Coconut

Refreshing and nourishing Vietnamese thirst-quencher , especially popular during the hot summer months

Vietnamese water coconut, also known as “thạch nước dừa” in Vietnamese, is a type of coconut that is commonly consumed in Vietnam and its surrounding countries. The coconut water “Dừa Nước” is often consumed as a thirst quencher, while the flesh can be eaten raw or used in cooking.

Dừa Nước - a Vietnamese drink made from Vietnamese water coconut is more than just semi-transparent liquid!

This unique white Vietnamese drink is very similar in taste to the Vietnamese coconut water that I have described in my previous post, however, it’s very different in terms of its shape and form. Also unlike the coconut juice, the water coconut is usually served in plastic cups with heaps of ice.

And here is the most important part: What you get is more than just semi-transparent liquid. The white jelly-like wedges are thrown in as seen on the pictures.

Taste: Sweet water poured over slightly crunchy, jelly-like, tasteless wedges

The juice is sweet, a bit thicker and grainier in texture as if fuller when compared to coconut water. However, the white wedges that float inside are rather tasteless, slightly crunchy and jelly-like in their consistency. Even though it’s called the water COCONUT don’t expect any coconut-like taste. Not even hint of it.

It’s needless to say, when mixed with ice, The water coconut drink is a healthy alternative to other chemically enhanced, refreshing drinks that are usually available in local supermarkets. It’s a great snack to enjoy on a hot sunny day while travelling around Mekong Delta.

The coconut is typically young, with a green outer shell, and has a thin layer of white flesh and a large quantity of clear, sweet liquid inside.

Is Vietnamese water coconut healthy to drink?

Vietnamese water coconut can be a healthy choice to drink as a source of hydration and nutrition. Coconut water is naturally low in calories, fat, and sugar, and is a good source of electrolytes, including potassium, which can help to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat and physical activity. Coconut water is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.

However, it’s important to note that coconut water is not a complete source of nutrition and should not be relied upon as the sole source of hydration or nutrients. It is also important to be mindful of the amount of coconut water you consume, as it can be high in natural sugars, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.

Where it comes from?

The water coconut is a mangrove palm tree that grows in marshes all around Mekong Delta. Vietnamese farmers use water coconuts for so many things. They use leaves to make roofs for their houses and as firewood. They also extracting coconut water from flower stalks to make sugar, brew wine, make beer, ferment vinegar and so on. It’s a truly useful plant for the locals and the refreshing drink is just one of the many benefits it brings to people.