Coconut Grater

This is one of my favorite tools in my kitchen right now. I found it at Bombay Market on Valencia Street. Although my other coconut graters are actually easier to use, this one beats them out for sheer fun.

A flip of the metal lever near this grater's base pushes up a rubber seal, creating a vacuum-snug grip on any flat, smooth surface. Each turn of the handle yields tiny shreds of juicy, fresh coconut. A food processor will crush the nutmeat, fine for curries or smoother sauces but not so good when I'm aiming for a light and fluffy effect.

In India, where women often still prepare meals on the kitchen floor, this is a great way to multi-task, as they can operate it with dextrous toes while cutting other vegetables.

How to open a coconut >

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