How long does coconut last?

A whole fresh coconut keeps about 1 week at room temperature and 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge from purchase. Once opened, eat the flesh within a few days. Shredded coconut keeps about 1 year in the pantry unopened, and 8 months in the fridge once opened.

Food	Fridge	Freezer	Pantry
Fresh whole coconut	2–3 weeksfrom purchase	Not recommended	1 weekfrom purchase
Shredded coconut	—Opened: 8 months	1 year	1 yearfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if coconut has gone bad

A whole coconut with wet, moldy or cracked eyes, or no sloshing water inside when shaken.
Sour, soapy or rancid-smelling flesh, or yellowish or gray flesh instead of white.
Shredded coconut that smells rancid, is clumped with moisture or shows mold.

How to store coconut

Keep a whole coconut in a cool place or the fridge.
Once cracked, keep the flesh in a sealed container in the fridge, covered with its water or wrapped, and eat it within a few days.
Keep opened shredded coconut airtight in the fridge: its oils go rancid at room temperature.

Can you freeze coconut?

Fresh coconut flesh freezes well, grated or in pieces, for several months; the USDA doesn't recommend freezing whole coconuts. Shredded coconut keeps about 1 year in the freezer.

Questions

How long does fresh coconut meat last once opened?

A few days in a sealed container in the fridge. Freeze it if you won't use it soon.

How long does coconut water last?

Packaged coconut water keeps about a year unopened; once opened, keep it in the fridge and drink it within 1 to 2 days.

Does shredded coconut need refrigeration?

Unopened, no. Once opened, the fridge keeps it about 8 months; it goes rancid much sooner in a warm cupboard.

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