This and that - Coconut scraper

There are many tools to get the white flesh of coconuts. A method traditionally widely used in Southeast and South Asia is the coconut scraper. That's what I call it anyway.

Also known as 'kratai', a homonym for rabbit, in Thai. So some are made in the shape of a rabbit (the seat part). Or perhaps the word really is derived from a rabbit chewing the coconut. Southern Thais also call it a 'luck-koot'.

Usually consisting of a wooden seat with a handle that juts out and a fanned, jagged metal bit at the business end.

One then sits on the seat and grasps, with both hands, half a coconut that's been denuded of its husk (for easier handling). With a rhythmic up and down motion over the metal scraping part a pile of white shavings is produced. The force is on the downward stroke.

Now the scrapings are ready to be made into coconut milk/cream for curries or to sprinkle over desserts or to 'roast' in a wok to bring out the nutty flavour.