Coconut water is simply the best. I am actually mildly addicted to the stuff back in Toronto, so much so that I’ve formed a special coconut water bond with the guy who runs our local market at Queen & Broadview. He too is a big fan of the refreshingly delicious beverage, and every time I buy a can from him he looks at me with a knowing grin (if you’re in his coconut club, you’ll know what I mean).

In Belize city we met a cool guy named “Ninety” serving fresh, ice cold coconut water from the side of the road. “Pick your coconut purdy lady,” he said in a thick Afro-Caribbean accent. Naturally, I picked the biggest, roundest and freshest looking nut. He then chopped off the top with his machete, handed me a bottle of rum, asked me to pour my share, and stuck in a bendy straw. Yum.

First time drinking coconut water from a real coconut. Way way better than anything in a can.