Immature coconuts (water coconut) require different
treatment. In Thailand and other Southeast Asian
countries, and now in the U.S., immature green nuts are
trimmed and shaped, removing most of the husk (Fig. 2
and 3). The final product has a flat bottom, round body,
and pyramidal top, with the eyes showing. Care is needed
to avoid over-trimming around the eyes, as the nut at this
stage still has internal pressure and the eyes may burst.
To prevent browning of the remaining husk, nuts are
dipped in 1 to 3% sodium meta-bisulfite for 2 to 5 min
and then wrapped in plastic film (Tongdee et al. 1991).
Sometimes fungicide is included in the sulfite solution.
Sulfite agents, such as sodium bisulfite, cannot be used
for cosmetic purposes, and no fungicides are approved
for postharvest use on coconuts in the U.S. The nuts are
sold in single-piece cartons containing 6 to 16 each.