Coconut Graters:

A coconut grater has a spikes ball attached to a handle and a frame. Graters unused for long time would be rusted (as they are made of iron) and need to cleared of the rust before use. To remove rust on iron things scrub and wash them with rice water (Water collected after washing rice) using an old toothbrush. For better results soak the rusted iron thing in rice water overnight---rust will easily be removed. Dip an old toothbrush in rice water and wash the grater to remove rust. After clearing the rust wash the grater under running water tap to clean it. While cleaning the grater do not try to wash it with fingers as the spikes of the grater will be too sharp. After cleaning, store the grater under a shelf where it is not easy to get hurt. While storing, take care it is out of reach of children.

Another coconut grater is a one which has a handle attached to a spiked iron rod. Using different graters give different textured grated coconut!!!

Coconut Grating:

Let us learn to grate coconut using the traditional coconut grater. Spread a plastic sheet on ground and place the grater with a plate to collect grated coconut. Place your foot on the bar of the grater to secure it from moving. Holding the coconut in the left hand, grate starting from the edges. Rotate the handle of the grater with right hand, holding the coconut in left hand. Also keep turning the coconut in left hand---turning is important for even grating. If one does not turn the coconut while grating the brown portion below the coconut also gets grated and the grated coconut appears dark in color. After grating the coconut remove the grated coconut stuck in the spikes of the grater using the handle of a spoon. Never try to remove the grated coconut stuck in the grater with fingers as the spikes of the grater would be too sharp. Observe the texture of the grated coconut—it would appear as bloomed flowers. Wash the grater under running tap—if required use an old toothbrush. At times even after thorough cleaning some traces of coconut is found sticking in the grater. Use a toothpick to remove the traces left in the grater---or use the good old technique of using coconut fiber (PEECHU) to clean the grater. After washing, store the grater under a shelf lest one gets hurt.

Now let us learn to grate coconut using the handy coconut scraper. Hold the coconut kernel in the left hand scrape starting from the edges. Turn the coconut in intervals and scrape to get flaky type grated coconut. Observe the texture of the scraped coconut which would be flaky yet soft.

Storing Grated Coconut:

When a coconut is grated using a traditional grater the texture will be soft and appears like bloomed flowers. When a coconut is scraped using coconut scraper, it will appear as flakes yet will be soft textured. When coconut is grated using a mixer grinder, the texture would be like grass and will be less tasty compared to the other two varieties. Along with the texture taste also differs!!!!

To store grated coconut fill sufficient quantity in zip lock bags and seal. Place these bags in a box. Store this box in freezer. As and when required, use the quantity required and store the remaining in the freezer. Fresh coconut is readily available throughout.

Points to notice:

Hold the coconut firmly while hitting the ground. Don’t leave any scope for the coconut to recoil and hit you in the reverse.

If you propose to store coconuts at home without breaking, ensure to shake them once atleast once during the day till you break them. This prevents them from rotting inside.

After grating you may sprinkle some sugar lightly on the grated coconut and eat it too!!! Children would love it.

Hope this movie clip helps in breaking coconuts easily, grating smoothly and also storing coconut.