You know I’m into coconut everything, so I’m slightly embarrassed that it’s only been in these past few months that I’ve discovered coconut water. It was love at first sip though and I immediately made it my mission to test out all the brands available in the UK (that I could get hold of at least).

If you don’t know about coconut water yet, here’s a bit of info:

It’s simply the water you find inside fresh young coconuts. It’s slightly sweet and seriously refreshing. There’s some science behind that too. Coconut water is what’s called isotonic. This means it contains essential salts and minerals in a concentration and proportion very similar to those found in human cells and is therefore very easily absorbed to rapidly replenish and hydrate the body. Pretty snazzy, no?

It’s especially great for athletes or just for anyone looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day.

Now, since coconuts obviously don’t grow over here, they have to come over from Thailand or other coconut growing countries [N.B. I was pleased to see iNVO’s focus on sustainable farming . Something particularly important in less-developed countries which are susceptible to exploitation by the West]. To preserve the coconut water for its journey, most companies pasteurize it using heat so it’s actually no longer raw and the delicate compounds are significantly altered.

Not so with iNVO coconut water! The winning brand in my testing! iNVO uses pressure instead of heat, a unique method which keeps it tasting incredibly fresh. It’s the closest you’re going to get to sticking a straw in a fresh coconut!

See that pretty pink colour? That’s proof that it’s never ever heated. It turns pink due to the oxidation of the polyphenolics (antioxidants!) naturally present in the coconut water.

iNVO also comes in Thai Lime and Pineapple flavours (just fruit juice added, nothing else) which are equally delicious. Beyond drinking the stuff straight from the bottle, I love using coconut water in smoothies, and this is one of my very favourites. It’s perfect for when you want something super refreshing and nutritious. Like when you’ve had too much chocolate peanut butter pie…

An Apple, Avocado & Basil Smoothie might sound a little wacky but I promise it’s delicious. Fresh herbs are full of nutrition too so it makes sense to load up on them and not just reserve them for garnishes. I find basil slightly sweet so it’s particularly good paired with fruit.

Avocado, cucumber, apple and lemon all lend something of their own- creamy, cooling, sweet and cleansing!

Print Apple, Avocado & Basil Smoothie (with iNVO Coconut Water) Yield: 1-2 Servings Ingredients 1 Medium apple

Handful of basil

1/2 C Coconut water

1/4 Cucumber (3"), washed but no need to peel

1 Tbsp Lemon juice

1 Tbsp Coconut nectar (optional)

1/2 Ripe avocado

1/3 C Ice

Instructions Blend all the ingredients, except the avocado and ice, in a high-powered blender until the basil is fully broken down. Add the avocado and ice and blend again until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. 3.1 http://www.coconutandberries.com/2014/06/27/apple-avocado-basil-smoothie-invo-coconut-water/

You can find iNVO both in the UK and USA. In the US, check out Jamba Juice and Whole Foods market, and in the UK, you’ll find it in Harrods, Pod, Crussh Juice Bars, As Nature Intended and various other shops and cafés, as well as online from Goodness Direct.

Let me know if you agree that it’s the best coconut water on the market right now!

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[Disclosure: iNVO provided me with some free samples for review purposes but I received no other compensation and, as always, all opinions are my own]