9 coconut water recipes

This tropical fruit is not only beautiful to look at, but is also highly nutritious. It contains significant amounts of heart-healthy fibre, antioxidants, vitamin C and has been shown to keep blood glucose levels stable. Chia seeds provide a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.

A favourite served at Din Tai Fung gets a healthy make-over. Water spinach, commonly known as kangkong, is rich in fibre, magnesium, vitamins A and C and is very low in calories. Word of caution: do not eat it raw as it may carry parasitic cysts from the waterways that are its natural habitat.

A creamy dessert combining coconut, dragon fruit and cashew nuts. Dragon fruit is a rich source of antioxidants and fibre, cashews deliver heart-protective monosaturated fats, while the fat contained in coconut meat has been shown to exhibit anti-microbial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Coconuts also contain lauric acid (found most abundantly in mothers’ milk) which is an important immune system booster. Despite its bad reputation, coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils available.

Non-alcoholic pina colada flip made with pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and club soda, topped with vanilla ice cream. A fizzy tropical drink ready in 5 minutes.

No-bake cappuccino truffles rolled in cocoa-sugar or coconut, made with instant coffee, marshmallow cream, chocolate wafer crumbs, and pecans. Makes 60 bite-sized treats in 30 minutes.

A breakfast staple made with organic spelt flour, coconut oil and natural sweetener. Serve with maple syrup on the side and fresh berries or bananas or organic yoghurt. Another option is to soften some apple slices in a little bit of water, vanilla and dash of maple syrup until the liquid reduces and the apples are soft. Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon – reminiscent of apple pie!

Traditional British coconut ice with a white and pink layered look. Just sugar, water, desiccated coconut, and vanilla cooked to soft-ball stage and pressed into squares. A classic Christmas sweet that's dead simple to make.

Chinese hot orange soup made with fresh-squeezed orange juice, rock sugar, and preserved ginger, lightly thickened with cornstarch. Served warm with citrus slices and cream wafers.

Keep these in the freezer and enjoy anytime you feel like having something sweet. Perfect with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.